Whether we are talking about financial markets or the economy, about climate, energy, food, human rights or security – all are currently in the grip of a serious crisis. The root causes of the crisis stem from an unfair global order and a disregard for the principles of sustainability. This was the conclusion of the Bonn Symposium 2009 on "Sustainable Development in Times of Crisis – Opposition or Opportunity?" organized on 23-24 November by the Development and Peace Foundation (SEF) and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ).



The first day of the symposium was devoted to exploring the structural causes underlying global crises and the responses available to combat them. In his opening speech the new Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dirk Niebel, called for a fair international trade policy, the dismantling of market distorting (agricultural) subsidies, effective and efficient development cooperation, and investment in sustainable technologies. Monika Lüke of Amnesty International pointed out that options for resolving these crises are already available at the global level. She urged using the shared commitment of governments to human rights as a starting point. A serious approach to human rights would also entail holding the perpetrators of the crises accountable. Therefore the G20 especially, would have to acquire even greater legitimacy and responsibility.



Participants criticized that the gap between theory and action continues to be (too) wide. The international community is as far removed from its goals of protecting biodiversity as it is from achieving the Millennium Development Goals. So how can old thought paradigms be changed and sustainable attitudes inculcated? This question was taken up on the second day of the symposium. Discussions highlighted the potential for education and awareness raising to not only change individual lifestyles but to also drive the political decision-making process through social pressure. Unless there is decisive political action an end to the global crises – let alone the goal of sustainable development – will continue to elude our grasp. (Christiane Roettger)



Further information on the Symposium is available at: http://www.bonn-symposium.de/startseite.html

Published in: ECC-Newsletter, December 2009