Prudent development - a shared responsibility
Foreword
"Prudent Development - A Shared Responsibility" constitutes Denmark's national strategy for sustainable development. In Denmark, this development must be balanced - economically, socially and environmentally. We must pass on a society where the economy is sound and the level of welfare considerable, and where there is a high degree of social equality. We must ensure the quality of the environment and nature. Future generations have a right to this.
The strategy is founded on eight objectives and principles which will provide the platform for Denmark's commitment to sustainable development:
 | Denmark must develop the welfare society and decouple economic growth from environmental impact |
| Denmark must create a safe and healthy environment for everyone and maintain a high level of protection |
| Denmark must secure a high degree of biological diversity and protect the ecosystems |
| Denmark must use resources more efficiently |
| Denmark must take action at the international level |
| Denmark must ensure that environmental considerations are taken into account in all sectors |
| Denmark must ensure that the market supports sustainable development |
| Denmark must ensure that sustainable development is a shared responsibility, and we must measure progress |
Sustainable development presents national and global challenges. At the UN Rio Conference in 1992, all countries were urged to draw up national strategies for sustainable development. This strategy is the Danish response to the request.
The strategy will form part of Denmark's contribution to the World Summit on Sustainable Development to be held in South Africa in September 2002.
The summit will take place during the Danish EU Presidency presenting us with a unique opportunity to place sustainable development at the top of the international agenda. Sustainable development requires global cooperation and international solutions. Everyone must participate if we are to find lasting solutions. For this reason, Denmark will work to create a Global Deal between the North and the South concerning sustainable development.
At the same time, we must not relax our efforts on the home front. In the Danish national strategy for sustainable development, the Government first and foremost presents what we will do in Denmark to ensure a society in balance.
The strategy establishes the priorities and objectives for Denmark over a twenty-year period, and in the years to come this strategy is to be realised. Creating sustainable development requires the active participation of all involved - from the Government to the business community, municipalities and counties, schools, associations, voluntary organisations and the population. It is our hope that all will be as active when the strategy is to be realised as they were while it was being prepared.
