The first time I encountered the concept of Buen Vivir, or Vivir Bien, was in February 2024 during the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). India had submitted a resolution on promoting a sustainable lifestyle, emphasizing harmony between human activities and nature. Later in the process, Bolivia introduced a draft resolution on Buen Vivir, a philosophy deeply rooted in its culture, which translates to living in harmony with nature, or Mother Earth.
Since Bolivia’s submission came at a late stage—when negotiations on other resolutions were already well advanced—Member States suggested that Bolivia merge its proposal with an existing, thematically similar resolution. The most closely aligned was India’s resolution on sustainable lifestyles. Both resolutions shared a fundamental vision: advocating for a way of life that respects and preserves nature rather than exploits it.
Following discussions, Bolivia and India agreed that the essence of Bolivia’s resolution would be integrated into India’s draft on Promoting a Sustainable Lifestyle. By that time, India’s resolution had already undergone multiple revisions through negotiations, making the incorporation of Bolivia’s philosophy a natural progression.
At its core, Bolivian culture upholds the belief that human life and nature are intrinsically interconnected. Buen Vivir promotes a way of living that neither harms nor depletes natural resources, recognizing that a balanced, fulfilling existence requires mutual respect between humans and the environment. This indigenous philosophy is so integral to Bolivia’s national identity that it is enshrined in its constitution, guiding policymaking and development programs.
India’s reverence for Prakriti (nature) shares striking similarities with Bolivia’s Buen Vivir. Both traditions emphasize ecological harmony, making India’s resolution on sustainable lifestyles deeply connected to the Bolivian ethos. India’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), launched by the Prime Minister, served as the foundation of its resolution and provided a framework that could effectively incorporate Bolivia’s perspective.
This episode underscores the cultural parallels and shared wisdom between India and Bolivia—two nations separated by thousands of miles yet united by ancient philosophies that cherish nature. Just as Indians revere Mother Earth, so do the people of Bolivia, integrating respect for nature into their way of life. What a profound and inspiring connection across continents!
