Inclusive development, leaving no one behind, justice and the sustainable development goals

Abstract The focus on inclusive development within the 2030 Agenda highlights the contradiction between an inherent ‘business-as-usual’ approach subject to a few restrictions and a radical reformation of the global system. Inclusive development is elaborated through the idea of leaving no one behind, a human rights and a justice approach. Against this background, this perspective argues that there is need for clarity about the words used and about the implications of the words used. It defines inclusiveness to imply social, ecological and relational elements; that inclusiveness is not incorporation of the ‘other’ but based on recognition and epistemic justice; and that inclusiveness redefines the content of development. It argues that justice needs to be unpacked into issues of access to minimum resources and allocation of the remaining resources, risks and responsibilities. Achieving access in an unequal world will lead to crossing Earth system boundaries and is affected by increasing pollution. Both imply that access cannot be met without changing rules of allocation, with market-based allocation reproducing injustices. Finally, while inclusiveness requires greater partnership and responsibility, this is undermined by the way the 2030 Agenda ignores liability for harm caused to others. Sharpening the understanding of inclusion and justice among key stakeholders and a better articulation of the Earth system justice approach is a way forward.