Societal Challenges and Sustainable Development for a Just Future

Societal Challenges in Advanced Societies

In the midst of economic progress, new problems emerge: expensive housing, unemployment, loneliness, individualism, violence, poverty, and social exclusion. Many excluded individuals live without economic resources, facing significant social problems and a lack of dignity and values.

In our advanced societies, a significant portion of the population lives in poverty, defined as living on less than 50% of the average Net Disposable Income (NDI). For instance, in Spain, this affects eight million people, or 20% of the population.

Vulnerable Groups and Societal Impact

These challenges are compounded for vulnerable groups, including:

• Children and youth
• The elderly
• Women
• Immigrants
• The disabled
• The homeless

A part of society feels threatened by these issues, leading to discrimination, individualism, and intolerance. However, the solution begins with openness to diversity and welcoming all as equals. Therefore, it is crucial to change societal attitudes and provide these social and political groups with support, education, and new opportunities to meet their basic needs and facilitate their reintegration into society.

Global Ethics and a Sustainable Future

In a society characterized by global communication and the concentration of media in large groups, it is imperative to establish a global ethic. Furthermore, the consumerist society of the first world is creating a serious gap with the third world. Faced with this injustice and inequality, we must begin to practice fair trade.

Cultivating a Culture of Peace

Peace is only possible if we cultivate a culture that overcomes injustices and inequalities, achieving harmony within the individual, with others, and with nature. Key elements for fostering such a culture include:

• Education
• Social and economic development
• Respect for life and human dignity
• Equality between men and women
• Democratic participation
• Understanding and tolerance
• Solidarity
• Participatory and open communication
• Promotion of safety

Embracing Sustainable Development

Human survival also requires us to insist on the concept of sustainable development, which meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own. In essence, current welfare must respect the rights of future generations, including:

• Preservation of life
• Respect for the human genome and biological diversity
• Protection of cultural diversity and heritage
• Enhancement of socio-economic development and education