The World Commission on Environment and Development (the Brundtland Commission) defined sustainable development as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In other words, development is essential to satisfy human needs and improve the quality of human life. At the same time, development must be based on the efficient and environmentally responsible use of all of society's scarce resources - natural, human, and economic.

• Sustainable Development Information System (SDInfo)
  SDInfo is the Government of Canada's gateway to sustainable development information.
  
  
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  UNEP's mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling people to improve their quality of life without compromising that of the future generations.
  
  
• Arctic Council
  A high level intergovernmental forum, the Council provides a mechanism to address the common concerns and challenges faced by the Arctic governments and the people of the Arctic.
  
  
• International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
  IDRC is a public corporation helping developing countries find long-term solutions to the social, economic, and environmental problems they face.
  
  
• International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)
  IISD is an independent not-for-profit organization promoting sustainable development in decision making internationally and within Canada.
  
  
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  The mandate of FAO is to raise levels of nutrition and standards of living, to improve agricultural productivity, and to better the condition of rural populations.
  
  
• United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD)
  The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development was established in 1993 as a functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
  
  
• International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  The International Maritime Organization (IMO), based in London, is the United Nations' specialized agency responsible for improving maritime safety and preventing pollution from ships.