Agenda 21 is the comprehensive programme for action to achieve sustainable development agreed to by delegates from most countries of the world at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, known as the Earth Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1992.
Agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the 21st century in the context of a global partnership for sustainable development. This partnership must build on the consensus that a balanced and integrated approach to environment and development concerns must be taken to fulfill the basic needs of nations, improve living standards for all, protect the ecosystems on which people depend for their wellbeing, and achieve a safer and more prosperous future. It must also build on the principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and on the Statement of Principles for the Sustainable Management of Forests, adopted also at the Earth Summit. (1)
Agenda 21 is divided into 4 sections and 40 chapters covering all areas relating to sustainable development. The complete text of Agenda 21 can be found at UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Website: Click here to access the website. |
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Agenda 21
Agenda 21 is a blueprint of action for the 21st century to achieve sustainable development.
Agenda 21 is a powerful long-term vision for balancing economic and social needs with the capacity of the earth's resources and ecosystems. |
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Earth Summit
The Earth Summit, a landmark conference, put sustainable development on the map. It was a major success in raising public awareness about the need to fully integrate environmental and social considerations into economic development policy. |
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