7 November 2012: UN Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator Helen Clark addressed global drivers of change, the inter-linked nature of poverty, inequity and environmental sustainability and innovative development approaches, in a speech on the 2050 world in San Francisco, California, US. Clark said whether the 2050 world will be “more equitable and sustainable – or less – depends on the policy choices made at global, national, company, and societal levels.”

Clark identified population dynamics, environmental constraints and geopolitical shifts as three global drivers of change that will shape the 2050 world and influence how poverty eradication and development are addressed. Highlighting climate change and natural disasters, Clark said development challenges are especially daunting for small islands who face rising sea levels and poor countries that bear the brunt of extreme climatic events.

Clark stressed jointly addressing inequality and sustainability to maintain and accelerate human development, and to this end recommended the post-2015 agenda promote greater equality and environmental sustainability as linked goals.

Clark called for achieving these by: building consensus on the “future we want;” making smart national policy decisions; and finding innovative local solutions. For its part, the UN can build consensus around norms and set long-term global development goals, she said, while countries should adopt integrated policies around the economic, environmental and social aspects of sustainable development. She also recommended scaling up successful local initiatives.

Clark delivered this speech, “Our World in 2050: More Equitable and Sustainable—or Less?,” as part of the World Affairs Council of Northern California’s mini-series, “Spotlight on Development Challenges.” [Speech of UNDP Administrator]