A history of poorly managed and irresponsible development practices has
amounted to a great loss of vital natural resources as basic as fresh water and
lumber. The economically and socially disadvantaged in global societies are
fundamentally effected by this loss. Millions now face slum-like living conditions
as well as a scarcity of secure access to clean drinking water. In September of
2000, the world’s leading development institutions and 191 countries in the
United Nations signed the Millennium Development Goals resolution in order to
tackle mankind’s greatest problems. This collective commitment to establish
“a more peaceful, prosperous and just world” addresses specific environmental
development objectives.

As governments and major institutions work to improve environmental conditions
and sustainability, The Sustainable Future Initiative will lead a yearlong
effort to introduce tangible steps the world’s youth can take to support
the success of this Millennium Development Goal