Why does sustainable development matter?
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About the video: ‘Why does sustainable development matter?’
Professor Maathai says that in awarding her the Peace Prize in 2004 the Nobel Committee ‘has challenged global society to think in a more holistic way.’ Here, Professor Maathai explains how holistic thinking can help build effective development strategies for Africa and for the world at large. She then describes what she believes to be the three essential components of sustainable development – peace, democracy and the responsible management of natural resources.
Total views: 5,100
Filmed: London, UK on 17 December 2004
Credits: Interviewer - Marcus Morrell Camera and Editor - Marcus Morrell
Copyright © 2004 Big Picture TV
About Wangari Maathai
Professor Maathai is the Founder of Africa’s Green Belt Movement , a grassroots organization whose main focus is the planting of trees with women groups in order to conserve the environment and improve their quality of life.
In December 2002, Professor Maathai was elected to parliament with an overwhelming 98% of the vote and was subsequently appointed by the president, as Assistant Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Wildlife in Kenya’s ninth parliament.
She serves on the boards of several organizations including the UN Secretary General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament.
In 2004 she received the Nobel Peace Prize for “her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.”
She has also been named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential leaders in the world.
Other videos with Wangari Maathai
Wangari Maathai
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Professor Maathai explains how colonial administrators in Africa saw local culture as a hindrance to ‘progress.’ As a result, Africa’s cultural roots were systematically…
Recorded: 17 December 2004
Wangari Maathai
How can Africa develop successfully?
In clip two (see “Empowering Africa”), Wangari Maathai talked about empowerment through culture. Here, she talks about empowering Africa through democracy. She speaks…
Recorded: 17 December 2004
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