Agenda 21

“Humanity stands at a defining moment in history.

We are confronted with a perpetuation of disparities between and among 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 fulfillment of basic needs, improved 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.

Preamble to AGENDA 21, agreed during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992. [Details]

Signed by 179 Heads of Government, it is a blueprint for sustainable development in the 21st century, aimed at providing a high quality environment and healthy economy for all the peoples of the world.