Development is a socio-economic process which generates the improvement, growth, positive selection, improvement or the addition of human, physical, cultural, social and economic elements. The primary aim of development is the creation or improvement of the quality and/or the level of life of a population, and an increase in the rate and quality of living. Development may be of various types: structural, institutional, territorial, legal, policing, subsidiative, compensatory, ad hoc, planned and disruptive. Structural development concerns mainly the creation of new buildings, sites, infrastructure, housing, and other facilities required for human mobility; institutional development concentrates on the larger projects of town planning, village development, and town branding; territorial development involves building and land extensions to develop residential areas, townships, or franchises; while, for the institutional type, development focuses on the improvement of school conditions and curriculum, and other measures to ensure the well-being of the institutional community.
While many debate over the best definition of development, there is broad agreement that sustainable development seeks to avoid depleting natural resources and to ensure the long-term sustainability of human systems. A wide range of international agencies and organizations define ‘development’, incorporating both natural and human capital. Development theory also includes various concepts such as equity, inclusion, unequal access, and sustainable utilization. While development theories differ, the ultimate goal is to build a better world for present and future generations. While economic development focuses on economic growth, sustainable development focuses on the promotion of health, education, wealth creation, and a healthy environment.
The process of economic growth has been a major driving force behind development for many years, especially in developing countries where the majority of the populations live in poverty. However, efforts by developed countries to meet their economic demands by utilizing their natural assets have often met with resistance, even sanctions from fellow countries. Achieving sustainable development will likely continue to be a source of conflict until more developed countries adopt policies similar to those adopted in developing countries. However, even if these efforts do not completely eliminate conflicts, they will no doubt lessen the likelihood of major conflicts occurring.