Human Rights, Religions and the United Nations Agenda 2030

This volume stems from our commitment to making our planet a more liveable and fairer place, which has been renewed in light of the 17 new Sustainable Development Goals promoted by the United Nations and to be achieved by 2030. In this context, the goals relating to sustainable economic growth, reducing economic inequalities and introducing responsible, fair and sustainable models are particularly relevant today. More broadly, sustainable development is seen as an effective means of meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Since the 1960s, theories of sustainable development have also incorporated social and economic issues such as social equity and poverty alleviation. Some religions have also raised the importance of these issues. In terms of sustainable development and responsible resource management, religious denominations are, in some respects, at odds with the neoclassical economics that characterises the current global model. It is useful to emphasise the rationale behind these religious concepts: social justice and solidarity, albeit with different ultimate goals. In terms of a sustainable economy, reduction of inequalities and sustainable development, religious denominations are looking in the same direction. This could be a useful model from which to draw inspiration for creating 'secular' policies aimed at achieving the objectives of the 2030 Agenda. This is because religious leaders play a fundamental role in this debate, given that much of the population bases its view of reality on a spiritual tradition in various ways and to different degrees. Religions can develop a discourse on development that complements and supports the 2030 Agenda, echoing a centuries-old tradition that praises values such as solidarity and the renunciation of excessive profits and collective well-being.