THE ROLES OF INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Sustainable development can only be achieved through a broad participa tory process involving all layers of societies, both in the public and private sectors. International institutions, including the United Nat ions system, can contribute to the process through setting standards a nd providing a framework for collaborative endeavors. This paper makes a critical review of UN sponsored special conferences on global issue s relating to sustainable development over the past 20 years. It discu sses some negative tendencies that detract from the effectiveness of m ultilateral efforts, as well as good progress that has already begun, towards sustainable development. This paper also discusses the need fo r conceptual tools for the assessment of options for action in rationa l pursuit of sustainability as global interest. The paper also suggest s a conceptual equation that might help to articulate the global inter est focusing on the relationships between resources, technology and po pulation.