Sustainable Development Report Released

Premier and Minister of National Security Michael Dunkley announced the official release of the Annual Report 2013 for Sustainable Development in Bermuda in the House of Assembly today [May 15].

The Premier said, “While this report is titled “Annual Report 2013,” it is actually the first comprehensive report to be published addressing the progress of Sustainable Development [SD] as a Government initiative in Bermuda.

“As a result, it spans the period from the initial commitment in 2005 through 2013, with a focus on the work of the later years. The report includes the major milestones and achievements of both the Sustainable Development Department [SDD] and the work of the appointed advisory Board, the Sustainable Development Roundtable [SDRT], as well as the main challenges encountered.”

The Premier’s full statement follows below:

Mr. Speaker,

It gives me great pleasure to rise today and announce the official release of the Annual Report 2013 for Sustainable Development in Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker,

While this report is titled “Annual Report 2013,” it is actually the first comprehensive report to be published addressing the progress of Sustainable Development [SD] as a Government initiative in Bermuda. As a result, it spans the period from the initial commitment in 2005 through 2013, with a focus on the work of the later years. The report includes the major milestones and achievements of both the Sustainable Development Department [SDD] and the work of the appointed advisory Board, the Sustainable Development Roundtable [SDRT], as well as the main challenges encountered.

Honourable Members will recall that, in 2008, the Sustainable Development Plan [SD Plan] was released to the public. This SD Plan is currently the only National Plan that addresses the range of issues that impact national policy development and our sustainability. Broadly, this includes issues that are social, economic and environmental – the three dimensions of sustainable development. I am pleased to report that, to date, 81% of the recommendations have been completed or continue as a work in progress by their nature.

Following the production of this SD Plan, the Sustainable Development Department was established as a dedicated resource within Government with overall responsibility for ensuring the implementation of the SD mandate, that is to promote and facilitate public and private sector policy making that is compatible with the Bermuda Government’s SD Plan. The SD Department, in consultation with the SDRT, also generates awareness and understanding and encourages compliance with the social, economic and environmental themes and actions contained in the SD Plan.

Mr. Speaker,

The SDRT has demonstrated its relevancy by advancing a number of topics of significance to Bermuda, combining public education and outreach with overarching policy recommendations to Cabinet. Such topics have included Housing, Strengthening Families and the production of an Economic Toolkit and Strong Families Make Strong Communities brochures. These and the continuing work on a long-term strategy for water and one for food supply and security demonstrate the breadth of subject matter under the umbrella of sustainable development

Mr. Speaker,

This report details the value of both the Department and the SDRT in fulfilling the SD mandate to champion integrated, holistic and long-term national policy development inside and outside of government. This work has taken place through:

• 1. the proactive appraisal of proposed major initiatives for inclusion of sustainability principles;
• 2. the embedding of sustainability principles in Ministry strategic and operational planning; and
• 3. the facilitation and coordination of cross-ministry/department policy proposals.

One proactive method of embedding sustainability principles is the use of Sustainability Impact Assessments [SIAs]. These are used to assess the likely economic, social and environmental effects of policies, strategies, plans and programmes before they have been formulated. Another opportunity results from the SD Indicators. These SD Indicators report on the extent to which current policies are enabling our national sustainability in the areas of economy, education, housing, public safety, the environment and health – areas that impact our quality of life. Data collected over seven years assist in informing the direction of policy changes in these six areas of life in Bermuda.

Mr. Speaker,

I am pleased to present to this House, and to the people of Bermuda, the first Sustainable Development Annual Report 2013, articulating the progress of sustainability as a Government initiative, the value of the work of the SDD and of the SDRT. I encourage Honourable Members and the general public to read the report and gain a better understanding of the importance of sustainability and its contribution to our decision -making.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker

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