In the article the scientific approaches of the formation theories of economic development are described, the concept of «growth» and «development» is singled out. The aim of the article is the systematization and analysis of the main scientific approaches to the definition of sustainable development. The concept of sustainable development as worldwide ideology that can ensure sustainable development of civilization has been reveled. As a result of the theoretical and methodological definition of sustainable development has evolved and taking into account global transformations has got a new foundations and effects. The analysis and specification phases of growth have been done. In the article the further development of the concept of «sustainability» in various fields of science and features of this definition in economic systems has been researched. The author singled out a particular problem for sustainable development in the contemporary economy, accompanied by the lack of providing resources, the great attention is emphasized by the governments of developed countries, NGOs and many scientists. There is a necessities to form a new paradigm of development that will take into account past experience and meet the modern realities of development. The importance of studying the problems of sustainable development of social and economic systems around the world and the world economy as a whole has been emphasized. After all, the sustainable development of the regions is the basis of the countries development as a whole, and the implementation of its principles - precondition of Ukraine integration into the European community. The objectives of sustainable development constitute a new system of coordinated management measures for the economic, social, environmental measures and will be directed at the formation of social relations based on trust, social equality, safe environment. The basis of sustainable development is the human rights to live and develop. These goals should ensure efforts integration for economic growth, social justice and environmental management, which requires profound socio – economic transformations and new approaches to global partnerships. So, we made an analysis of the essence of sustainable development, which allowed neatly specify its content, in all its, objective displays, conceptual contradictions in the approaches of implementation of its principles. Further research will be aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of influence of sustainable development.