It is widely known that protection of the environment, international economic co-operation and social development are mutually dependent. At the United Nations, these three key subjects are tackled in the UN General Assembly’s Second Committee, under the broad heading of “sustainable development”.

Sustainable development includes a wide range of issues in which the UN plays a key international role. Such issues include climate change, bio-diversity, desertification, forestry, oceans, freshwater and sanitation, human settlements, sustainable fisheries, renewable energy and disaster reduction. All of these featured at the UN’s 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. The outcomes of this Summit are the blueprint for current international co-operation in these areas.

The United Kingdom is strongly committed to sustainable development, and engages fully in UN debate on all aspects of the subject. The UK is  a major donor to UNEP and UN-Habitat. The UK is a member of CSD and EcoSoc, and of the Governing Council of both UNEP and UN-Habitat.

One of the UK’s 10 International Priorities over the next decade is achieving climate security by promoting a faster transition to a sustainable, low - carbon global economy.