Global South Shapers of Norms, Human Development and Sustainability

This study looks at how human development and sustainability norms are generated and which norm makers from the South have played a role in their emergence and diffusion. It identifies specific norm entrepreneurs from the South, explores their diverse backgrounds and policy experiences, and assesses their roles in shaping sustainable development priorities and bringing environmental concerns into focus. The paper chronicles major milestones in the formulation of the Sustainable Development Goals and outlines how norm makers from the South presented their perspectives and broadened the sustainable development concept through innovative negotiations. The paper also highlights the environmental challenges faced by Southern countries and the important lessons from their innovative efforts to tackle climate change. It sets out to answer the question of how human development can be rearticulated and redefined as sustainable human development, and how the Human Development Index can be modified or new tools for measurement developed. It considers the roles of UNDP and the Human Development Office in meeting these new global challenges. Research for the study was based on a documentary and archival review, including scholarly literature, reports from international organizations on relevant forums and meetings, expert assessments, opinions of experts from think tanks, and UN partners and other sources from 2011 onwards. The review is supplemented with observations from participants in various consultations and negotiations.