Reliance primarily on a country's own human and natural resources and the capacity for autonomous goal-setting and decision-making.

The minimum requirements for a decent standard of life: adequate food, shelter, clothing, community services. They also include needs relating to human rights, public participation in decision-making, productive employment.

Environmentally sound development, which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Based on the socio-cultural characteristics of a country, rather than on its integration into the world economy.

A process of enlarging people's choices: focuses on both the formation of human capabilities - improved health, knowledge and skills - and the use people make of their acquired capabilities, for work or leisure.

Development taking into account a range of factors characteristic of the human condition.

Institutionalization of popular participation in the development process.

Integration of women into the development process.

Implies the enhancement of capabilities of people and institutions to improve their competence and problem solving capacities in a sustainable manner.