Sustainable Societies

Culture

The cultures concept recognizes that achievement of sustainable development will require broad-based participation and partnerships with non-governmental bodies, incorporating two main elements: participation in decision-making and effective mechanisms of engagement, on international, regional, national, and local levels. Broad- based participation builds shared values and mutually reinforces commitments. However, constraints such as the geographical and disproportionate divide between the participation of developed nations and developing nations, over-dependence on better-established groups, inequality and gaps in accountability, ad-hoc involvement of major groups over the years, and the prioritization of donor desires limit the possibilities of success. Establishing an atmosphere of openness, accountability and responsibility can further today's positive trends in cooperation.