Leading the way to a sustainable tomorrow

Leaders hold the key to a sustainable future. From boardrooms to classrooms and parliaments to grassroots movements, they have the power to shape the world where people and the planet thrive together. Human sustainability is all about building a better quality of life—not just for today, but for generations to come. It means creating strong social foundations, resilient economies, and a healthy environment that can support us. Whether it’s through bold policies, innovative solutions, or inspiring everyday action, leaders at every level can spark the change we need.

Human Sustainability — What does it mean?

It refers to creating conditions where humans can thrive over a long period. It includes the following:

• Environmental balance (clean air, water, soil, and food security)
• Social equity (equal access to resources, justice, and opportunity)
• Economic viability (stable, fair, and inclusive economic systems)
• Cultural preservation (respecting diverse traditions and values)
• Well-being and mental health (access to healthcare facilities) 

The characteristics leaders need to drive human sustainability

Key attributes of leaders for human sustainability include vision, integrity, empathy, innovation, accountability, collaboration, and resilience—empowering them to inspire change, create inclusive solutions, and ensure long-term global well-being.

Visionary: Leaders should have a long-term perspective that transcends immediate gains and looks at the broader picture for future generations.

Ethical: Leaders should prioritise ethical considerations, focusing on fairness, transparency, and responsibility in decision-making.

Collaborative: The complexity of human sustainability requires leaders to build coalitions and work across boundaries, sectors, and nations.

Adaptive: The challenges of sustainability are dynamic, so leaders must be flexible and open to change, adapting strategies as needed.

Empathetic: A deep understanding of the social and emotional impacts of decisions on people is key for leaders, especially when navigating difficult trade-offs.

Key roles leaders can play in advancing human sustainability

Leaders must articulate a clear, compelling vision of what human sustainability means, and motivate others to take action accordingly. This vision should incorporate not only economic growth but also social equity and environmental responsibility.

Such a vision can manifest in the promotion of economic models that prioritise well-being over short-term profits. This includes policies that reduce inequality, ensuring access to basic needs, such as healthcare, education, clean water, conducive environment and housing for all; or endorsing fair wages, decent working conditions, and ethical business practices. Encouraging the development and adoption of sustainable practices in industries like agriculture, energy, and manufacturing can drive economic growth while reducing environmental impact.

Alongside the economy, leaders should focus on building strong, resilient communities by promoting social cohesion and ensuring that people have resources and support to thrive. Further, they can empower marginalised groups by fostering diverse and inclusive environments. They should promote long-term human sustainability and strengthen communities by creating equal opportunities for women, racial minorities, and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Human sustainability goes along with mental and physical health. Leaders should support initiatives that promote wellness, access to healthcare, and mental health resources. For example, Jacinda Ardern's Well-being Budget prioritised mental health, child welfare, and environmental protection over GDP growth. 

As part of building and supporting people, leaders must champion educational systems that prepare individuals for a rapidly changing world. Education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), is essential for developing the skills needed to create sustainable solutions. They should promote lifelong learning and skill development to ensure that people are adaptable to changing job markets and tech advances. Leaders should build a foundation for long-term change by integrating sustainability into learning. Finland, for example, includes environmental education from early school years.

And needless to say, none of this can be done without considering the environment. Leaders should advocate for and implement policies that reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. This includes transitioning to renewable energy, promoting sustainable agriculture, and encouraging eco-friendly transport options. Greta Thunberg, a teenage climate activist, mobilised millions in the world to demand urgent environmental action. Leaders can drive change by adopting Corporate Social Responsibility practices, incorporating environmental and social impacts into business strategies, and setting ambitious sustainability targets.

The power of collaboration in driving sustainability

Human sustainability requires a collective effort. Leaders can forge partnerships across sectors—governments, businesses, civil society, and international organisations—to develop comprehensive strategies and share knowledge. On a global level, leaders play a role in fostering international cooperation to address shared challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and public health. 

Leaders should use their influence to advocate for policies that prioritise long-term human sustainability, such as implementing fair labour laws, funding social safety nets, and regulating industries to protect public health and the environment. Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, rejected short-term profit for long-term value by reducing waste, sourcing ethically, and fighting inequality. 

And let us not forget the builders and innovators who make change possible. To solve the world’s biggest challenges—like climate change, pollution, food insecurity, and energy shortages—innovation and technology are powerful game-changers. People leading these breakthroughs are innovators, engineers, tech entrepreneurs, and scientists, reimagining how we live, work, and care for the planet.

Finally, do not forget that leaders should also model sustainable practices in their personal and professional lives. When leaders walk the talk, they establish credibility and inspire others to follow suit.