Globalization and Sustainabile Development

This article explores the potentiality of globalization for ensuring sustainable development. By examining the pessimistic views on the negative impact of globalization on sustainable development, which consider these two variables as contradictory and competitive paradigms, the author, in the framework of transformationalist approach, considering them as two complementary and interactive paradigms, believes that globalization, regarded as a process of “interconnectedness of borderless world”, can function effectively within the widely accepted framework of sustainability, and is conductive to a positive impact on sustainable development, in the areas of social justice, environmental protection and human security, paving the way for “sustainable globalization” and “successful globalization”. In order for globalization to be considered as sustainable and successful, it should not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their own social, economic and environmental needs but rather should contribute to realize a knowledge-based economy, and to promote public and professional awareness through due attention to the major role of education in agendas for sustainable development. The article analyses then the challenges and opportunities of globalization for sustainable development and finally explores the possible ways to achieve a sustainable and successful globalization with an special emphasis on economic growth combined with equality and social peace, constructive engagement with the global economy, observance of environmental regulations and realization of successful educational system.