Sustainable development in a function of longterm economic development

Sustainable development represents one of the key concepts of modern economic development, which is based on the harmonization of economic, social and environmental goals. The goal of the work is to point out the importance of sustainable development for economic development as well as the possibility of harmonizing economic development with the rational use of natural resources and environmental protection. In addition to the basic dimensions of sustainable development, the paper also discusses the historical development of the concept of sustainable development. Special attention is paid to the distinction between economic growth and development, its determinants, but also the limitations of the traditional model based on the intensive exploitation of natural resources. The opportunities provided by the sustainable model through investments, technological innovations, development of renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and circular economy are analyzed. The analysis indicates that sustainable development represents the long-term basis of economic development, as it contributes to the growth of competitiveness, productivity and resilience of the economy. At the same time, the application of the principle of sustainability contributes to the improvement of the quality of life, the more rational use of resources and the preservation of the development potential of future generations, thus creating the conditions for stable and balanced economic development. Such an approach enables the harmonization of economic with social and environmental goals.