Thanks to their closeness to and detailed knowledge of their territories, subnational governments are particularly well placed for identifying the needs and the strengths of their communities in sustainable development. Besides, Federated States and Regional Governments not only implement sustainable development policy and legislation adopted at international and national level, but also have legislative and fiscal competences in their respective territories in a wide array of environmental, economic and social fields that directly contribute to the long term goal of achieving sustainable development.

Over the past 20 years subnational governments have achieved significant progress in the 3 pillars of sustainable development, making proof of solid leadership and long-term commitment towards the sustainable development of their communities, to which they are accountable. Around the World, the efforts and initiatives of a country have become stronger when transposed and complemented by subnational governments, as well as by other key stakeholders.

A clear example of this commitment is provided below with the case of the Welsh Government and many others are taking place around the Globe.

As sustainable development takes place at subnational level, the Rio +20 Conference should achieve a multilevel and multi-stakeholder institutional framework that encompasses innovative participatory mechanisms for stakeholders while fully recognising the governmental nature of subnational governments. This will therefore maximises their full potential in achieving sustainable development.

In this context, a new category should be introduced among the observers accredited to UN processes in order to recognise “governmental stakeholders” and thus acknowledge the governmental nature of Federated States, Regions, Cities and Local Authorities to fully unfold their contribution to international negotiations and policies on sustainable development.

The Welsh Government has had a unique commitment to sustainable development since its formation in 1999. Enshrined in the current Government of Wales Act is a duty for Welsh Government Ministers to produce a scheme setting out how they will promote sustainable development, to report annually on progress and take stock through a formal review on how well the scheme has worked.

There are numerous examples of good practice that have arisen through this commitment: the Wales for Africa programme, Sustainable Development Charter, Sustainability Committee of the National Assembly, a Director General with government-wide SD responsibility, a Sustainable Procurement Team and numerous other areas where it has promoted sustainable development effectively. 

These examples reflect the pride felt in the Welsh Government and more widely in civil society taken from a strong commitment to sustainable development.  Much of this work evolved under earlier SD Schemes, but the turning point came in 2009 with the launch of the current SD Scheme, One Wales: One Planet. The full Cabinet of the Welsh Government signed off the scheme as a reflection of its importance and agreed that SD would become the ‘central organising principle’ of government.

This commitment was key because it helped establish sustainable development as an idea for governance rather than just a ‘green idea’ and the responsibility of the Environment Minister. The central organising principle therefore applies right across the Welsh Government and aims to put Wales on its optimum development path.

This approach is based on:

·           Taking decisions that are right for the long run;

·           Joining-up as a Government, so that the economic, social and the environmental issues that improve people’s quality of life are integrated into everything we do; and

·           Working in partnership with others, so that participation and engagement with people, communities, businesses, the third sector, and public sector in Wales is central to how we make decisions.

While the current Scheme has provided clarity and direction to promote sustainable development across Wales, we believe that there is sufficient appetite and ambition to build upon our commitment by introducing specific legislation for sustainable development that will have two key aims:

·           Firstly, to make sustainable development the central organising principle for the Welsh Government and public bodies devolved to Wales; and

·           Secondly, to create an independent sustainable development body for Wales.

The development of options on the legislation is in its early development but a major challenge faced will be around how we can bring about the changes needed to embed sustainable development effectively. 

A discussion document outlining our initial thoughts has been released on the Welsh Government’s website. Key issues we have identified are:

·           How should legislation bring about a step change in sustainable development?

·           What does the public sector, with sustainable development as its central organising principles, look like and how does it operate?

·           What new duties or powers might bring that about?

·           What should be the role of the independent sustainable development body?

This legislative process is unusual given its potential to create a cultural shift in the governance and management of Wales. The Welsh Government does not have the answers to these questions yet and will be looking to engage with its citizens and others that can contribute to the debate and development of the Bill. If you wish to take part we would welcome contributions being sent to our  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .