What is Sustainability? Beyond the Buzzword
IN an era dominated by rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence, the concept of sustainability has become a ubiquitous yet frequently misinterpreted term.
Knowing and understanding what real sustainability means and how it shapes human destiny has never been more crucial as we navigate the challenges and complexities of the 21st century.
This article aims to examine the definition, significance, application and implementation of sustainable development models that can genuinely contribute to human civilization while benefitting all levels of society.
The most widely acknowledged definition of sustainable development comes from the United Nations Brundtland Commission, which defined it as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
From a professional perspective, sustainable development is a holistic framework built upon three interconnected pillars: environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability.
It is founded on the integration of environmental health, economic vitality and social equity.
This approach is essential for building resilient and inclusive societies that ensure a high quality of life, justice and equitable opportunities for both present and future generations.
Why Sustainability Matters for Humanity’s Future
Sustainability does matter because human survival and well-being are inherently dependent on our natural environment.
To thrive, we humans require a consistent supply of food, clean water, fresh air and a healthy environment to live in.
Hence, the decisions we make today pertaining to resource consumption, economic development and social organisation have a direct impact on the quality of life and opportunities for future generations.
As sustainability issues are interrelated, they tend to lead to crises that exacerbate each other.
For instance, human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation are driving climate change.
This leads to extreme weather, rising sea levels and ecosystem collapse which undermine global stability.
This degradation worsens resource scarcity including freshwater on earth which is diminishing because of unsustainable use, pollution, and climate impacts.
As a result, food security is compromised when disasters decrease crop yields and disturb supply chains, resulting in 673 million people experiencing hunger in 2024.
Inadequate energy access also prevails, with 645 million projected to lack electricity by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed the vulnerabilities in our global systems.
It proved how ecological imbalance, economic inequality and public health are interconnected.
Hence, sustainable development and management is not just an environmental concern but a needed balanced framework for the benefit of all people on earth.
The Three Goals of Sustainable Development
True sustainability means balancing three goals: protecting the environment, growing the economy and ensuring fairness in society.
Each is connected to another; the choice in one area rippling through the others. For example, a company’s economic policy can affect the environment, which then influences the health and opportunities of its community.
For this model to function, environmental health needs to be the foundation as it provides the essential resources for human survival.
Besides, a strong economy is crucial. For sustainable practices to be widely adopted, they must make financial sense.
Businesses, for example, must be able to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources while remaining profitable.
Simultaneously, social equity must ensure sustainability benefits everyone, not just a privileged few. This requires fair access to resources and opportunities for all members of society.
Inclusive Sustainability for Sarawak
Sarawak has rolled out several major initiatives to build an inclusive and sustainable future.
Working with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the state is protecting biodiversity in the Upper Baram Forest while supporting local communities – part of its 2025 Biodiversity Master Plan.
At the same time, the Sarawak Urban Development Policy (SUDP) is driving fair and sustainable city growth through new industrial parks and downtown redevelopment.
Across the state, all 27 local authorities are also preparing sustainability roadmaps aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sarawak is actively training local workers for high-demand jobs in solar and hydrogen energy, partnering with educational institutions to build this skilled green workforce.
It is also expanding digital infrastructure to rural and indigenous communities, bridging the digital divide to ensure no one is left behind in the green economy.
While Sarawak’s strategy undeniably creates opportunities in renewable energy and digital growth, ensuring equitable benefits and access for everyone remains a key challenge.
The Path Forward
As we progress further into the age of artificial intelligence, technology presents us with unparalleled opportunities to support sustainability efforts in meaningful ways.
Advanced monitoring systems now allow greater precision in tracking environmental changes, while predictive analytics enable more effective resource management.
At the same time, optimisation of distribution networks has become a powerful tool in reducing waste and ensuring that resources are used both wisely and efficiently.
Yet, despite its transformative potential, technology alone cannot resolve the complex challenges of sustainability.
True progress demands participation from every sector of society. Governments must design sound policies, businesses need to embrace responsible practices and communities as well as individuals must take ownership of the everyday decisions that shape our shared future.
Sustainability, after all, is not a destination but an ongoing journey.
At its core, genuine sustainable development is not about deepening wealth for a privileged few.
It is about eliminating inequality and ensuring fairness so that a child in a remote village does not have to travel for hours simply to attend school and so that every community can enjoy the benefits of modern civilisation whilst also cherishing its cultural heritage and living in a healthier environment.
Such a shift requires us to move away from GDP-driven notions of development towards a new vision of civilisation — one that is defined by inclusivity, diversity, and long-term well-being.
Though daunting, this transformation represents both our greatest challenge and our most remarkable opportunity to build a fair, prosperous and sustainable future for all Sarawakians, and indeed, for people across the world.
Through collective action, shared responsibility and small but deliberate steps – such as switching to renewable energy at home, supporting local eco-friendly businesses, or reducing household waste – we can together shape the foundation of a more sustainable Sarawak.
- Lisa Ngui Lee Hua, School of Business, Faculty of Business, Design and Arts, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at mvoon@swinburne.edu.my.
