Sustainable development - The theme

The theme of sustainable development was launched at the 1992 UN Conference on the environment and development held in Rio de Janeiro. It has the aim of bringing together the objectives of an efficient economy, a responsible society and a healthy environment in such a way that the requirements of the present generation can be satisfied without making it impossible for future generations to meet their own needs.
The Federal Council has set itself the aim of implementing the principles adopted by the Rio Conference. Nevertheless, sustainable development not only represents a theme and a task for the government; it concerns and impinges on every individual.

The exhibition called "Le Palais de l'Equilibre" makes visible and comprehensible these interrelations. It encourages the public to discover the elements in its own standard of life and activity, so that they can then make their personal contribution to sustainable development.

The themes tackled reflect the main fields for implementing sustainable development, such as food/consumption, energy, mobility and land development.

To be made conscious of the variety of themes and the need for action, the public follows a path leading from awareness (fascination, presentation or worrying changes and dangers) through responsibility (possible models of sustainable development and opportunities) up to action, where the process already set in train becomes clear and where the connection is made with the local Swiss context.

The year 2002 was important for sustainable development because it marked the tenth anniversary of Rio. It therefore provided the occasion for taking stock and reinforcing the policy of sustainable development. The Federal Council will this year adopt its new sustainable development strategy.
In its eyes, it is important that this central but complex theme finds a suitable echo with the public.
The Palais de l'Equilibre is contributing to this in a conclusive manner, by giving every individual matter for consideration.