IAU takes as a reference the "Brundtland definition" (World Commission on Environment and Development) as given in the Brutland Report : Our Common future (external link).

In this definition the term "Sustainable Development" in itself links the two concepts of "environment" and "development" and it refers to "development seeking to meet the need of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims at assuring the on-going productivity of exploitable natural resources and conserving all species of fauna and flora."

Sustainable human development: This concept has been further developed within the UN system, which tends to use the term: sustainable human development. The introduction of the "human" dimension places human development at the forefront of regional integration and sustainable development of a country or continent. "In recognition of the centrality of the human dimension to development, the UN general Assembly in 1986 adopted a "Declaration on the right to development" stating that the human person is the central subject of development", and called upon member states "to ensure access to the basic resources, education, health services, food, housing, employment and the fair distribution of income." (Ref: Sustainable Human Development. United Nations Economic Commission for, Africa 1995)