Project of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), 29 WBCSD member companies developed a vision of a world well on the way to sustainability by 2050, and a pathway leading to that world – a pathway that will require fundamental changes in governance structures, economic frameworks, business and human behavior. It emerged that these changes are necessary, feasible and offer tremendous business opportunities for companies that turn sustainability into strategy.

This report addresses three questions: What does a sustainable world look like? How can we realize it? What are the roles business can play in ensuring more rapid progress toward that world? Vision 2050 is the result of a collaborative effort. The project was governed by four co-chair companies, and the content developed by 29 companies through working with each other, with hundreds of representatives from business, government and civil society, with regional partners and with experts. It also builds on WBCSD reports and work done by others. The report is complemented by murals, presentation decks and a toolkit. The Vision 2050 work provides a basis for interaction with other enterprises, civil society and governments about how a sustainable future can be realized.

We hope to challenge companies to rethink their products, services and strategies, envisioning new opportunities that put sustainability at the center, to communicate with and motivate employees and their boards, and to develop leadership positions in the wider world. We invite governments to consider the policies and regulations needed to guide and organize society and give markets incentives to move toward sustainability, and people to make a difference in their daily lives.

A platform for dialogue – not a blueprint

This report does not offer a prescriptive plan or blueprint but provides a platform for dialogue, for asking questions. Its highest value may be in our narrative of the gap

between Vision 2050 and a businessas-usual world, and the queries and dilemmas it raises.

For business and others, the biggest unanswered questions are "How do we get there?" "What form of governance will make the changes needed happen at the speed and scale required?" On these issues, we indicate our willingness, support and leadership, and invite all stakeholders – business, government and civil society – to join the exploration and effort.

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- Vision_2050_FullReport_040210.pdf