This article examines the historical evolution and theoretical foundations of sustainable development as a guiding economic and policy principle from the early 20th century to contemporary global frameworks. The primary research question is: how have significant historical milestones and theoretical contributions influenced the conceptual development and practical implementation of sustainable development? Employing a historical-analytical methodology, the paper reviews critical documents and events, including The Limits to Growth (1972), the Brundtland Report (1987), the Rio Earth Summit (1992), the Kyoto Protocol (1997), and the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (2015). The data analysis highlights the progressive integration of sustainable principles into global policy agendas and institutional frameworks, emphasizing an increasing global commitment to environmental protection and social equity. Key findings suggest that international cooperation, policy integration, and continued innovation in sustainability frameworks remain essential. The article concludes with recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need to investigate the effectiveness of recent policies, such as the Paris Agreement, and explore innovative approaches to addressing key challenges in the practical implementation of sustainability principles, such as limited resources, regulatory gaps, and political inertia.
Volosiuc et al. (2025) studied this question.