The following principles have been articulated by the Sustainable Societies Initiative.
[Central Concepts]
interconnectedness and interdependence of all issues; recognition of the right to sustainable societies; implementation of universally recognized human rights; healthy ecosystems; gender equality.
[Social Sustainability]
inclusiveness, pluralism and participatory decision-making; justice (social and environmental), equity (inter-generational and intra-generational) and gender equality; decentralization of power and wealth, decision-making and economic relationships; cooperation, not competition, as the basis of economic, political and social relationships; international solidarity among NGOs and CBOs; education, including for girls and women; mechanisms for conflict resolution.
[Sustainable Economics]
redefinition of prosperity and the ways in which we measure it; identification, measurement and payments of 'real costs' – both social and environmental; access to adequate shelter and alleviation of poverty; access to credit and financing, including women and the poor.
[Sustainable Livelihoods]
redefinition of work, particularly in achieving sustainable livelihoods; sustainable production and consumption; socially responsible business practices; empowerment.
[Physical Sustainability]
recognition of ecological limits; emphasis on renewable resources; natural resource planning; development of affordable and sustainable energy and water systems; human-scale settlements; emphasis on renewable and recyclable materials; promotion of biodiversity.
[Sustainable culture]
preservation of local culture; promotion of cultural and social diversity; recognition of local knowledge systems; promotion of diversity.