The Role of Human Dignity in Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals

International Environmental Law-making and Diplomacy Review 2019 (University of Eastern Finland & UN Environment, 2020), Tuula Honkonen and Seita Romppanen (eds).

15 Pages Posted: 12 Aug 2020 Last revised: 28 Aug 2020

See all articles by James R. May

James R. May

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law; Widener University Delaware Law School; Haub School of Law at Pace University

Erin Daly

Widener University Delaware Law School

Date Written: June 7, 2020

Abstract

This chapter posits that the very purpose of sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals is to advance human dignity, the inherent equal worth of everyone, everywhere.

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are often regarded as if they are stand-alone goals. For instance, the High Level Political Forum focuses on a handful of connected SDGs at a time, such as achieving SDGs 13 (climate action) and 17 (peace, justice and strong communities). But what can be lost in conversations about the SDGs is that advancing human dignity is the thread that stitches the SDGs together. Understanding the implications of this simple recognition warrants exploration of the concept of dignity, how it has evolved in law, what it means to environmental protection, and how taking it seriously might contribute to better outcomes guided by the SDGs.

Keywords: sustainability, sustainable development goals, dignity, dignity rights, human rights, human dignity, dignity law

JEL Classification: K32

Suggested Citation

May, James and Daly, Erin, The Role of Human Dignity in Achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (June 7, 2020). International Environmental Law-making and Diplomacy Review 2019 (University of Eastern Finland & UN Environment, 2020), Tuula Honkonen and Seita Romppanen (eds)., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3661025

James May (Contact Author)

Washburn University - Washburn University School of Law ( email )

1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
United States

Widener University Delaware Law School ( email )

4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803-0406
United States

Haub School of Law at Pace University ( email )

78 N. Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
United States

Erin Daly

Widener University Delaware Law School ( email )

4601 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803-0406
United States
302-477-2143 (Phone)
304-477-2257 (Fax)

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
609
Abstract Views
1,814
Rank
91,867
PlumX Metrics