Sustainable economic growth is critical of poverty eradication to ensure no one is left behind. The meeting commenced by addressing issue related to SDG 1 – Zero Poverty – which was a multidisciplinary topic, where sustainability and strength of economic growth were kept vital.

Prof. Jackson began with illustrating the correlation between prosperity and the GDP per capita, where relentless economic emphasis would foster better health, education and empower humans in developing countries, but had limited effect on developed nations. Both Prof. Verspagen and Prof. Pinheiro pointed out the influence of policy and institutions remained paramount in making an inclusive economic growth, by specializing in innovation, labor market and social protection policies, prompting to enjoy an advanced living standard.

Whilst identifying the challenges in maintaining economic growth, Mr. Chibonga shared the successful stories of accelerating productivity. Resonated with Prof. Pinheiro on depicting climate change as the main hindrance, he proposed on investing farmers with entrepreneurial skills training, ensuring an efficient market and implementing effective farming, hence to empower local people by intrinsic and monetary support. In terms of soft skills improving, Mr. Chibebe suggested a protection of rights and liberties were fundamental, which gave rise to achieving a local prosperity through sustainable economic growth, comprehensive social dialogue and protection.

Meeting: High-level political forum on sustainable development, “Fostering economic growth, prosperity, and sustainability” convened under the auspices of the Council

Date/Time/Location: Monday, July 11, 2016; 16:30-18:00; Trusteeship Council Chamber

Speakers: H.E. Mr. Sven Jürgenson, Permanent Representative of Estonia to the UN and Vice President of ECOSOC; Mr. Vinicius Pinheiro, Director of the NY Office of the International Labour Organization (ILO); Mr. Tim Jackson, Director of the Centre for the Understanding of Sustainable Prosperity (CUSP) and Professor of Sustainable Development at the University of Surrey; Mr. Bart Verspagen, Director-Dean of the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance (MGSoG) at Maastricht University and Director of United Nations University – Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT); Mr. Dyborn Chibonga, Chief Executive Officer at the National Smallholder Farmers’ Association of Malawi (NASFAM)

Written By: Kelvin HO