Be very wary when people talk about "sustainable" development.

Yup, and due to lack of planning, the cost of energy, and the almost singular reliance on a shrinking tourist trade. That and palm oil and coconuts.

I mean when bird's dropping was mined, it was different. Ditto minerals. No amount of diplomacy/cash handouts, will fix that, but compound current problems and servitude.

Finite resources confer temporary wealth. A few thorium reactors and some affordable local industry. Then local prosperity and progress becomes a more permanent feature.
Alan B.

"Sustainable Development" is an oxymoron.

Dr. Ioan Voicu consistently provides insightful commentary, and I am sincerely grateful for his updates on ESCAP initiatives, redirecting Asian countries' trajectory toward development that aligns seamlessly with the UN SDG 2030 goals. Deputy Prime Minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara's emphasis on inclusive sustainable development, encompassing society, people, and the planet, undeniably charts the right course for our collective future. This commitment reinforces the principle of leaving no one behind and resonates as a beacon for responsible and equitable progress.

In a global environment where leading world economies are increasingly turning inward and nationalism is on the rise, the resounding voice of multilateralism in the Asia Pacific is not only reassuring but also serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of collaboration on a broader scale. Dr. Voicu's commentary provides a timely perspective that encourages us to uphold the values of cooperation and shared responsibility in the face of these challenging trends.