United Nations Conference on Environment & Development
 
Confrence des Nations Unies sur l'Environnement et le Dveloppement

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AGENDA 21, CHAPTER 1



PREAMBLE










NOTE:	This is a final, advanced version of a chapter of Agenda 21, as 
adopted by the Plenary in Rio de Janeiro, on June 14, 1992.  
This document will be further edited, translated into the 
official languages, and published by the United Nations for the 
General Assembly this autumn.





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1.1.  Humanity stands at a defining moment in history.  We are confronted 
with a perpetuation of disparities between and within nations, a worsening 
of poverty, hunger, ill health and illiteracy, and the continuing 
deterioration of the ecosystems on which we depend for our well-being.  
However, integration of environment and development concerns and greater 
attention to them will lead to the fulfilment of basic needs, improved 
living standards for all, better protected and managed ecosystems and a 
safer, more prosperous future.  No nation can achieve this on its own; but 
together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development.

1.2.  This global partnership must build on the premises of General 
Assembly resolution 44/228 of 22 December 1989, which was adopted when the 
nations of the world called for the United Nations Conference on 
Environment and Development, and on the acceptance of the need to take a 
balanced and integrated approach to environment and development questions.

1.3.  Agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at 
preparing the world for the challenges of the next century.  It reflects a 
global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on 
development and environment cooperation.  Its successful implementation is 
first and foremost the responsibility of Governments. 1/ National 
strategies, plans, policies and processes are crucial in achieving this. 
International cooperation should support and supplement such national 
efforts.  In this context, the United Nations system has a key role to 
play.  Other international, regional and subregional organizations are also 
called upon to contribute to this effort.  The broadest public 
participation and the active involvement of the non-governmental 
organizations and other groups should also be encouraged.

1.4.  The developmental and environmental objectives of Agenda 21 will 
require a substantial flow of new and additional financial resources to 
developing countries, in order to cover the incremental costs for the 
actions they have to undertake to deal with global environmental problems 
and to accelerate sustainable development.  Financial resources are also 
required for strengthening the capacity of international institutions for 
the implementation of Agenda 21.  An indicative order of magnitude 
assessment of costs is included in each of the programme areas.  This 
assessment will need to be examined and refined by the relevant 
implementing agencies and organizations.

1.5.  In the implementation of the relevant programme areas identified in 
Agenda 21, special attention should be given to the particular 
circumstances facing the economies in transition.  It must also be 
recognized that these countries are facing unprecedented challenges in 
transforming their economies, in some cases in the midst of considerable 
social and political tension.

1.6.  The programme areas that constitute Agenda 21 are described in terms 
of the basis for action, objectives, activities and means of 
implementation.  Agenda 21 is a dynamic programme.  It will be carried out 
by the various actors according to the different situations, capacities and 
priorities of countries and in full respect of all the principles contained 
in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development.  It could evolve 
over time in the light of changing needs and circumstances.  This process 
marks the beginning of a new global partnership for sustainable 
development.

1.7.  Throughout Agenda 21 the term "environmentally sound" means 
"environmentally safe and sound", in particular when applied to the terms 
"energy sources", "energy supplies", "energy systems", or 
"technology/technologies".





Notes

	1/	When the term Governments is used, it will be deemed to include 
the European Economic Community within its areas of competence.
A:21 Preamble (Ch. 1), Advance CopyPage 1


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