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Progress through Process – Letter

- Next The notion of sustainable development which burst into public consciousness a generation ago was welcomed with great optimism by governments and peoples around the Globe. It was based on the idea that environmental protection and economic prosperity could and should be pursued in tandem to safeguard the needs of future generations. It was easier said than done. Too much attention was paid to seeking the ‘perfect’ solution; too little was paid to considering how best to get there. Now, too often, views have hardened into positions, interests have become barricades, and rhetoric has replaced dialogue. However it happened, the goals of sustainable development have become more difficult to achieve – for all of us. We need to get back to basics including figuring out how to talk to one another - how to leverage the need and desire for debate and discussion into accepted and effective processes for sustainable development governance. Seized with this challenge, the National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy and the Public Policy Forum brought together 20 leading experts and practitioners in the sustainability and public policy fields last fall to consider ways to improve governance methods for sustainable development. We concluded that traditional governance approaches are no longer sufficient in the ‘2.0 world’; that by using updated collaborative methods, we can break down deep-rooted positions which often prevent sustainable development policies from being enacted. We believe that stakeholders, citizens and governments must come together utilizing innovative collaborative models, and that we all have larger and more responsible roles to play. Today, more than ever, integrating economic development and environmental stewardship is crucial to safeguarding the world for our children. Issues like climate change, national energy strategies, and water management are among the greatest challenges of our generation. As presidents and CEOs of our respective organizations, we are proud to present this report to Canadians interested in making sustainable development more than a phrase. We want to thank each of the participants who gave their time and insights to this project. Sincerely, David McLaughlin President and CEO The National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy David Mitchell President and CEO Public Policy Forum