The Governance of Sustainable Development According to Imam Ali's Letter 53 and the UN Agenda 2030: A Comparative Study of the Two Charters

Abstract

This research is a comparative study between the famous Letter 53 of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taleb and the UN Agenda 2030. With a textual analysis of the 117 passages of the fourth Caliph's epistle, we study sustainable development goals (SDGs) stated by Agenda 2030 in Letter 53. Besides, we analyze the governance of sustainable development, according to Imam Ali's economic vision. In the light of this comparative study, it has been observed that SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 of Agenda 2030 are the most expressed in the said Letter. Finally, we conclude our analysis with a comparative table showing a substantial similarity between the two charters' vision. Nevertheless, some differences appear in specific themes' objectives and a growing distinction between the SDGs and those grouped under Innovation and Technological Improvement.