Envisioning a People-Centered Development: An analysis of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), the Laudato Si, and the Jesuits' Universal Apostolic Preferences.

Development is a multifaceted process encompassing economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability. At its core, development seeks to improve the quality of life of individuals and communities, particularly those disadvantaged and marginalized. Development should focus on more than just economic growth but prioritize social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and respect for human dignity. This paper analyzes this implied approach to development as encapsulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Laudato Si, and the Jesuits' Universal Apostolic Preferences (UAPs). These three foundational global proposals envision a better future for humanity through the interconnectedness of economic, social, and environmental development. They prioritize people-centered development that is sustainable, equitable, and just but make it clear that the well-being of people and the planet are interdependent and not individual goals. To make this case, we will analyze the key overlapping ideas in these three critical proposals for people-centered development identifying their commonalities, differences, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.