Madam President and esteemed members of Parliament, a very good morning to you all

Today's debate revolves around the question: in our journey towards sustainability, where
should our priorities lie? Should we continue to place economic growth above all else, or is it
time to pivot towards a model that elevates humanity and the environment?

Our understanding of growth must evolve as the limitations of economic expansion as the
sole indicator of progress have become apparent. The respected New Club of Rome issued a
warning with their report titled "Limits to Growth." It highlighted the dangers of unchecked
economic growth, which could lead to environmental exhaustion. Ladies and gentlemen, we
are in the midst of an ecological crisis; our planet is suffering from climate change,
biodiversity loss, rising sea levels, pollution and dwindling natural resources. Therefore, the
paradigm of growth at any cost is outdated and unsustainable.

Another problem with the obsession with GDP is that it paints an incomplete picture. The
World Happiness Report consistently finds that countries with strong social safety nets, a
clean environment, and a good sense of community tend to have happier citizens. Proving
that these factors outweigh the measure of how much money a country makes. Even more
importantly, our most valuable asset is human capital and studies have shown that investing
in education, healthcare, and social welfare fosters a happier and more productive
population - the very engine that drives sustainable growth. For instance, a World Bank
study revealed that a mere 10% increase in average education can lead to a long-term
growth rate of 0.85%.

Moreover, it's crucial to emphasize that embracing a new philosophy of "green growth" does
not entail abandoning economic progress. Instead, it's about redefining our approach. This
strategy underscores renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and industries that
minimize environmental impact.

All in all, sustainable development requires a holistic approach that places human well-being
and environmental protection alongside economic growth. By embracing this shift in
direction, we can create a future that is prosperous, equitable, and environmentally
sustainable for generations to come.

Thank You!