History

The vision of sustainable development, as adopted by 178 nations at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, seeks to prevent further divergence in economic, social and ecological development. This vision is based on new criteria for orientation and calls for economic activities to be steered not only towards economic benefits, but also towards preventing environmental damage and respecting human rights. This concept is closely linked to poverty alleviation and appeals to the present generation's sense of responsibility for posterity.

Problem definition

Wide-ranging business activities on the world markets for goods, services, capital and labour have taken their social and ecological toll. Particularly in developing and transition countries, production conditions fall far short of complying with the vision of sustainable development. The reasons for this are the widening rift between economic and socio-environmental concerns and the diminishing regulatory control on the part of government. The many international agreements lack effective enforcement mechanisms and practical guidelines for their implementation.

Framework conditions

Globalisation has changed the balance of power between government, the private sector and civil society. In the absence of international institutions that could guarantee a socially just and ecologically sustainable market economy, the Programme Office for Social and Ecological Standards promotes voluntary commitments by the private sector such as codes of conduct or ethical labelling. These commitments are supported by the societies of industrialised countries, who increasingly demand sustainable modes of production and reward these with their purchase decisions.

Need for action

From a development policy standpoint, standards give us the chance to help make economic globalisation socially equitable and ecologically viable. Measurable and verifiable standards could gradually allow the vision of sustainable development to be successfully put into practice.

Standards affect two levels. At the enterprise level, operations are to be reorganised with a view to ensuring social equity and environmental safety. At societal level, the concern is to establish a transparent and participatory culture of negotiation for all stakeholders concerned. The aim is to firmly establish standards in societies.