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
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: Suggested Citation