The master's thesis entitled Integration of sustainable development principles into the framework of an eco-social state examines the concept of the eco-social state, which responds to the climate crisis and social inequalities by moving beyond the traditional approach of separately addressing social and environmental policies. The thesis aims to establish whether the state can contribute to the implementation of eco-social frameworks by integrating the United Nations' sustainable development goals, thereby paving the way for a sustainable and just state. Despite the limited resources available, preliminarily conclusions can be drawn that the social-democratic states provide institutional conditions necessary for developing an eco-social state. This highlights the importance of an integrated approach, the success of which is not necessarily proportional to the success of addressing social and ecological challenges separately. An example of a mechanism for the implementation of an eco-social state is the coordination of environmental goals with social and individual goals and the distribution of social costs. Combining ecological responsibility, social justice, and inclusive management is key for transitioning to an eco-social state. Finland's successful integration of sustainable development goals and eco-social policies into national and local strategies, public budgets, and public procurement procedures demonstrates the link between these mechanisms and how they function in practice. The thesis emphasises that, to achieve a sustainable and just society, the existing institutional frameworks must be built on to embrace an eco-social state. This is a long-term process requiring a high degree of adaptability and responsiveness to social and environmental changes. The eco-social state with the simultaneous implementation of sustainable development goals, is therefore a realistic response for addressing new social risks.
|
