Contemporary Challenges in the Implementation of the Idea of Sustainable Development

Abstract

The issue of sustainable development has been an important problem discussed among academics, practitioners and public authorities for more than thirty years. In theory, this topic has received extensive analysis presented in numerous publications. On the other hand, the introduction of the principles of sustainable development into socio-economic practice is met with many obstacles. The purpose of the article is, on the one hand, to point out the need for a close connection between environmental issues and the economic and social problems that are affecting modern civilization. On the other hand, it is to draw attention to the limitations of the implementation of the idea of sustainable development arising from the effects of global disasters and conflicts, such as global warming, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic and the war in Ukraine. The methodological basis of the article was the use of the method of analysis of secondary materials, i.e., the literature on the subject, reports of empirical studies conducted, and official documents. The added value of the study is the identification of economic, geopolitical and socio-economic conditions regarding the difficulties of applying the idea of sustainable development. However, a situation that favors its implementation is the need for active cooperation between the world of science, business, public authorities and social organizations.