According to the Finnish National Commission on Sustainable Development, the general principle of sustainable development is that each state carries the primary responsibility for the cultural, social and economic well-being of its people. Sustainable development represents a challenge in terms of co-operation at the global, regional and local (e.g. municipal) level. Ensuring sustainable development is also the responsibility of every individual.

Sustainable development is a continuous, guided process of societal change at global, regional and local levels, aimed at providing every opportunity to present and future generations to live a good life. The concept of sustainable development includes the functional dimensions of ecological, socio-economic and cultural sustainability.

Helsinki's local agenda process has alongside the plan preparation included many citizen-initiated activities, including the implementation of more than 150 small-scale local sustainability projects with financial support from the municipality. These projects have been based on voluntary work by a large number of associations and interested citizens.

City of Helsinki, Environment Centre
Mr. Kari Silfverberg, tel. + 358 9 7312 2678

01/05/2002

policy

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation