In the past decade, the poor have become poorer and the rich have become richer due to the structural inequality of social, economic and political systems, whether in urban or rural areas or in developing or developed countries. The poor not only lack material things, but also suffer from discrimination and exclusion. Global consumerism dominates people's lives. They not only lost their self-worth, but also deprived them of their identity deeply rooted in their culture, community and nature.
China is the most populous country in the world. In the past 20 years, despite the achievements in poverty eradication, a large number of people still live in poverty, and many people who have got rid of poverty have fallen into the poverty net again for different reasons. At present, another problem facing China is that while the economy is growing, the natural ecological environment is often destroyed, and the gap between the rich and the poor and the gap between urban and rural areas is widening. There are signs that with China's accession to the World Trade Organization in 2002, farmers in remote areas and vulnerable groups in cities will become more vulnerable in the new global market system.
Faced with all these problems worthy of attention, community partners are convinced that it is urgent to reflect on the mainstream development model. The ideal sustainable community development model should be people-oriented, community-based, give consideration to environment and ecology, and respect local culture.