In his speech opening a World Economic Forum (WEF) economic discussion themed "How Can Sustainable Development Become a Driver of Inclusive Growth" in Davos, Switzerland on Friday, Ki-Moon said a revolution was needed to change human lifestyles so that economic growth can go hand in hand with concern for the environment.
"We need an in-depth participation and initiative for the 21st century. We also need to accelerate innovation and change in lifestyles and investment in renewable energy," he said.
Therefore, Ban Ki Moon called on world leaders to send the right signal to businesses that are interested in developing environmentally friendly green technology industries.
A country`s development effort should also consider safety and environmental sustainability so that the threat to human life on planet Earth can be minimized, he said.
"This effort must begin now, no more time can be wasted," said Ban Ki-moon.
The UN secretary general said sustainable development was a matter of changing to a safer lifestyle for human beings and changing points of view in political life for the sake of humanity.
The redefinition of sustainable development discussion on WEF`s second day of the first session is featuring panelists consisting of the Finish President Tarja Halonen, Research in Motion Co CEO Jim Balsillie, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Wallmart CEO Mike Duke, Mexican President Felipe Calderon, and Bill Gates.
In his presentation, Jim Balsille said an economical fundamental rethinking is required because now the world faces a crisis whose impact is the same with the great economic thinkers such as Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes put forward the theory that lay the foundations for economic practices that is still valid today.
"It is time for a good opportunity not only to rethink the economy but also the current transparency standard that we use. We must be able to radically rethink the business world, including formulating the business world role in conditions such as the current crisis as well as their obligations to the public," said Jim.
At the same occasion, Mike Duke said that the business community does not need to wait for the government in carrying out their responsibilities in applying efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.
While the New York Times well-known Columnist Thomas Friedman who acted as moderator in the discussions said that on the earlier era, only two countries are competing each other to land man on the moon, then it is time for all countries in the world to compete discovering the efficient and environmentally friendly technology in all industrial areas. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
