Sustainable development constitutes the main paradigm of the multi- lateral development strategy endorsed by the United Nations in its Agenda 2030 and in the Sustainable Development Goals. However, doctrinal debates still surround the meaning of sustainable development and the legal value of such concept. After having ascertained that sustainable development cannot be considered a customary norm nor a general principle of international law, it is argued that an inclusion in the preamble of the UN Charter or the devel- opment of substantive provisions should be considered a priority in the on- going process of reform of the Organization.
