Prof. Jeffery Sachs Illuminates Path to Sustainable Development
Mar 29-2024
On March 27, Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, Columbia University Professor of Economics and President of United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, delivered a speech titled ‘The World in 2050: Path to Sustainable Development’ at Chengze Garden, PKU National School of Development. It was the ninth lecture of PKU Linhu Think Tank International Distinguished Lectures and the second of PKU NSD 30th Anniversary Distinguished Lectures.
In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED) set forth the definition of sustainable development as development that both meets the needs of current generations and doesn’t harm the future generations’ capabilities to meet their needs. In his speech, Prof. Sachs pointed out that the definition doesn’t specify what concrete things should be done. He believed that sustainable development goals should incorporate four practical, viable, and concrete targets: global poverty eradication and economic development; social inclusiveness and justice; environmental sustainability; and peaceful ways of governance. Therefore, the UN’s sustainable development goals (SDGs) are to realize economic prosperity, social justice, environmental sustainability, and peace and cooperation in the world by 2050.
Prof. Sachs said that there are sufficient resources, land, technology and talents on the path to such goals. However, current political and economic institutions in the world and current state of international relations won’t be able to automatically lead the world towards the goals, he said, adding that new institutional designs and strategies need to be crafted and a new path needs to be blazed. In his view, all countries should undertake transformation in six spheres: drive the transformation of educational system to achieve education for all; drive the transformation of medical system to improve the healthcare for all; drive the transformation of energy system to achieve zero carbon emissions; drive the transformation of agriculture and land use system to solve food security issues; boost the construction of transport system and urban infrastructure; and advance the building of digital economy system to support the various areas of social development.
Prof. Sachs spoke highly of China’s accomplishments in the six spheres and believed that many of its practices are worthy of learning by other countries. He said that for the years he has been making strenuous efforts to help improve Sino-US relations, out of the firm conviction that only cooperation can result in a win-win and create a beautiful future of sustainable development for humankind.
Prof. Wang Dong, Deputy Director of PKU Office of Humanities and Social Sciences and Director of Think Tank Management Office, made the opening speech to welcome Mr. Sachs and commented highly on his academic viewpoints and achievements. Prof. Lei Xiaoyan, PKU Boya Distinguished Professor and Director of NSD Academic Committee and Think Tank Center, hosted the event, which was participated by about 200 teachers and students from various PKU schools and institutes.
After the lecture, Prof. Jiang Guohua, Deputy Secretary of PKU CCP Committee met with Prof. Sachs and had amicable exchanges on such issues as China’s economic development and Sino-US relations. The meeting was attended by relevant scholars, including Prof. Chu Xiaobo of PKU Office of Humanities and Social Sciences and Prof. Li Ling, NSD Mulan Chair Professor.
