A future, but at what cost? Cuba and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's quest for sustainable development

This paper looks at the question of development by focusing on both Cuba and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. At the heart of the project is the notion of sustainability, and how to achieve well-being even in the most challenging conditions, isolated economies and sanction-laden realities. This is done by tracing both countries' engagement and development in the fields of health and education. We suggest that political engagement with these countries should be prioritised, without challenging an established political order but with its consent, and with the hope that future generations are socialised to a culture of openness.