New Perspectives on the Concept of Sustainable Development …
519
Indeed, only after this dialogical construction, lastly, is that the concept of each
class is architected in its collectivity; respecting and maintaining, as far as possible,
the essential core of the individual definition of each one of those involved in the
process.
In the concepts presented by ISAE students, we observe the effort to rediscover
the true meaning of the term in a given temporal space, after exposure to a process of
knowledge and debates, moving away from the fad of the term. The words related to
transforming and balancing are the most recurring. The use of—transform, transformation and transformative—suggests concern about the need to change the attitude
that needs to occur from the point of view of the individual, as in his/her various forms
of collective. On the other hand, the employment of—balance, balanced—seems to
signal a concern with the prospect of harmony and stability.
The occurrence of words linked to transform is present in the years 2013, 2015,
2016, 2017. The following classes (2018 and 2019) make no mention of transformation as an inherent element of sustainable development; but mention the figures of
collective commitment and conscience. It seems possible to assume that over time
the concern about sustainability would be going beyond the barriers of transforming,
revolutionizing, and assuming the need for a conscious commitment between the
parties involved and incorporated into the daily life of their actions.
There may be a correlation with the fact that the goals and results of the Paris
Conference have not been met, denoting the importance of strengthening commitment to what has been agreed. This correlation is evidenced in the most recent
definitions (2017, 2018 and 2019) that state that SD is: a transformative alliance; a
collective commitment and; the promotion of a collective and solidarity conscience.
These statements seem to recognize the importance of collectivity: to the extent that
the concern for sustainability becomes rooted in one or more individuals and in one
or more groups, it is conceived that the next step is that these individuals and groups
strive to raise awareness of other individuals/groups, so as to effectively build a
collective consciousness.
In September 2015, United Nations member countries approved the document
“Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” based on
five axes of action: Peace, People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships (Parkes 2017).
This fact may have been the motivation of the class of 2015 to refer its definition
to the five Ps of sustainable development, thus suggesting a direct relationship with
Agenda 2030.
The words related to balance, and the expression consciousness of unity that
also gives the notion of balance are present in 71% of the definitions—2014, 2015,
2017, 2018, 2019. The recognition of the importance of harmony dialogues with the
defense of Sachs (2009) regarding the concept of sustainability, and is reinforced as
the planet (ecosystem) and human beings’ relationships are also in focus in the years
2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
The highlight to the term “life” present in the years 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
and 2019 would be justified to the extent that the minimum for development to be
considered sustainable would be the very maintenance of life on the planet.
519
Indeed, only after this dialogical construction, lastly, is that the concept of each
class is architected in its collectivity; respecting and maintaining, as far as possible,
the essential core of the individual definition of each one of those involved in the
process.
In the concepts presented by ISAE students, we observe the effort to rediscover
the true meaning of the term in a given temporal space, after exposure to a process of
knowledge and debates, moving away from the fad of the term. The words related to
transforming and balancing are the most recurring. The use of—transform, transformation and transformative—suggests concern about the need to change the attitude
that needs to occur from the point of view of the individual, as in his/her various forms
of collective. On the other hand, the employment of—balance, balanced—seems to
signal a concern with the prospect of harmony and stability.
The occurrence of words linked to transform is present in the years 2013, 2015,
2016, 2017. The following classes (2018 and 2019) make no mention of transformation as an inherent element of sustainable development; but mention the figures of
collective commitment and conscience. It seems possible to assume that over time
the concern about sustainability would be going beyond the barriers of transforming,
revolutionizing, and assuming the need for a conscious commitment between the
parties involved and incorporated into the daily life of their actions.
There may be a correlation with the fact that the goals and results of the Paris
Conference have not been met, denoting the importance of strengthening commitment to what has been agreed. This correlation is evidenced in the most recent
definitions (2017, 2018 and 2019) that state that SD is: a transformative alliance; a
collective commitment and; the promotion of a collective and solidarity conscience.
These statements seem to recognize the importance of collectivity: to the extent that
the concern for sustainability becomes rooted in one or more individuals and in one
or more groups, it is conceived that the next step is that these individuals and groups
strive to raise awareness of other individuals/groups, so as to effectively build a
collective consciousness.
In September 2015, United Nations member countries approved the document
“Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” based on
five axes of action: Peace, People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnerships (Parkes 2017).
This fact may have been the motivation of the class of 2015 to refer its definition
to the five Ps of sustainable development, thus suggesting a direct relationship with
Agenda 2030.
The words related to balance, and the expression consciousness of unity that
also gives the notion of balance are present in 71% of the definitions—2014, 2015,
2017, 2018, 2019. The recognition of the importance of harmony dialogues with the
defense of Sachs (2009) regarding the concept of sustainability, and is reinforced as
the planet (ecosystem) and human beings’ relationships are also in focus in the years
2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
The highlight to the term “life” present in the years 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
and 2019 would be justified to the extent that the minimum for development to be
considered sustainable would be the very maintenance of life on the planet.