ARCHIVES
VOL. 13, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Understanding sustainable development: Historical roots, conceptual shifts and contemporary challenges
Authors
Dr. Asma Khan
Abstract
The meaning of development has shifted dramatically
since the mid-twentieth century. Initially understood almost exclusively
through the lens of economic output—measured by gross domestic product,
industrial production, and agricultural yields—the concept has progressively
broadened to incorporate human well-being, social justice, and ecological
integrity. This study examines this intellectual evolution across three major
phases: the postwar emphasis on economic expansion, the human development
framework introduced by the United Nations Development Programme in 1990, and
the sustainable development paradigm embodied in the 17 Sustainable Development
Goals. The analysis situates these shifts within their historical contexts,
including Cold War rivalries, the debt crises that reshaped developing
economies, and the mounting evidence of environmental constraints on growth.
The paper further explores the intricate connections between foreign policy and
sustainable development, arguing that these domains are now deeply intertwined.
The central contention is that sustainable development represents not merely an
extension of earlier frameworks but a fundamental reorientation that integrates
economic, social, and environmental dimensions while acknowledging the deep
interconnections among global challenges.
Download
Pages:42-46
How to cite this article:
Dr. Asma Khan "Understanding sustainable development: Historical roots, conceptual shifts and contemporary challenges". International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 13, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 42-46
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.