Summary

In this Study Session, you have learned that:

• Economic growth is concerned with Gross Domestic Product (GDP), while economic development refers to the distribution of the economy between different sectors and social groups and is linked with technological and social progress.
• Human development is concerned with reducing poverty and improving the quality of life. The most widely used indicator for human development is the Human Development Index (HDI) which is composed of three parts: life expectancy, education and standard of living.
• The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set international targets for development that included poverty reduction and improvements in health, education and environmental sustainability.
• Sustainable development considers the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• There are three pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic and social pillars. All three must be considered if sustainability is to be achieved.
• Sustainable WASH activities should not cause negative impacts on the environment; they should be economically feasible and financially sustainable and should also be socially acceptable.