agenda-21.pdf

countries and to establish strong national and regional alliances between industry and research institutions;
f. Improve and develop new links between existing networks of natural and social scientists and universities at the international level in order to strengthen national capacities in the formulation of policy options in the field of environment and development;
g. Compile, analyse and publish information on indigenous environmental and developmental knowledge, and assist the communities that possess such knowledge to benefit from them.
Means of implementation

(a) Financing and cost evaluation

35.23. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993-2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $750 million, including about $470 million from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order-of- magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non-concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

(b) Scientific and technological means
35.24. Such means include increasing and strengthening regional multidisciplinary research and training networks and centres making optimal use of existing facilities and associated sustainable development and technology support systems in developing regions. Promote and use the potential of independent initiatives and indigenous innovations and entrepreneurship. The function of such networks and centres could include, for example:
a. Support and coordination of scientific cooperation among all nations in the region;
b. Linking with monitoring centres and carrying out assessment of environmental and developmental conditions;
c. Support and coordination of national studies of pathways towards sustainable development;
d. Organization of science education and training;
e. Establishment and maintenance of information, monitoring and assessment systems and databases.
(c) Capacity-building

35.25. Capacity-building includes the following:
a. Creating conditions (e.g., salaries, equipment, libraries) to ensure that the scientists will work effectively in their home countries;
b. Enhancing national, regional and global capacities for carrying out scientific research and applying scientific and technological information to environmentally sound and sustainable development. This includes a need to increase financial resources for global and regional scientific and technological information networks, as may be appropriate, so that they will be able to function effectively and efficiently in satisfying the scientific needs of developing countries. Ensure the capacity-building of women by recruiting more women in research and research training.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 36 PROMOTING EDUCATION, PUBLIC AWARENESS AND TRAINING 36.1. Education, raising of public awareness and training are linked to virtually all areas in Agenda 21, and even more closely to the ones on meeting basic needs, capacity -building, data and information, science, and the role of major groups. This chapter sets out broad proposals, w hile specific suggestions related to sectoral issues are contained in other chapters. The Declaration and Recommendations of the Tbilisi Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education 1/ organized by UNESCO and UNEP and held in 1977, have provided the fundamental principles for the proposals in this document.

36.2. Programme areas described in the present chapter are:
a. Reorienting education towards sustainable development;
b. Increasing public awareness;
c. Promoting training.
PROGRAMME AREAS
A. Reorienting education towards sustainable development
Basis for action
36.3. Education, including formal education, public awareness and training should be recognized as a process by which human beings and societies can reach their fullest potential. Education is critical for promoting sustainable development and improving the capacity of the people to address environment and development issues. While basic education provides the underpinning for any environmental and development education, the latter needs to be incorpora ted as an essential part of learning. Both formal and non-formal education are indispensable to changing people's attitudes so that they have the capacity to assess and address their sustainable development concerns. It is also critical for achieving environmental and ethical awareness, values and attitudes, skills and behaviour consistent with sustainable development and for effective public participation in decision -making. To be effective, environment and development education should deal with the dynami cs of both the physical/biological and socio -economic environment and human (which may include spiritual) development, should be integrated in all disciplines, and should employ formal and non -formal methods and effective means of communication.

Objectives
36.4. Recognizing that countries, regional and international organizations will develop their own priorities and schedules for implementation in accordance with their needs, policies and programmes, the following objectives are proposed:
o To endorse the reco mmendations arising from the World Conference on Education for All: Meeting Basic Learning Needs 2/ (Jomtien, Thailand, 5 -9 March 1990) and to strive to ensure universal access to basic education, and to achieve primary education for at least 80 per cent of girls and 80 per cent of boys of primary school age through formal schooling or non-formal education and to reduce the adult illiteracy rate to at least half of its 1990 level. Efforts should focus on reducing the high illiteracy levels and redressing the lack of basic education among women and should bring their literacy levels into line with those of men;
o To achieve environmental and development awareness in all sectors of society on a world-wide scale as soon as possible;
o To strive to achieve the acc essibility of environmental and development education, linked to social education, from primary school age through adulthood to all groups of people;
o To promote integration of environment and development concepts, including demography, in all educational programmes, in particular the analysis of the causes of major environment and development issues in a local context, drawing on the best available scientific evidence and other appropriate sources of knowledge, and giving special emphasis to the further tr aining of decision makers at all levels.
Activities
36.5. Recognizing that countries and regional and international organizations will develop their own priorities and schedules for implementation in accordance with their needs, policies and programmes, the following activities are proposed:
a. All countries are encouraged to endorse the recommendations of the Jomtien Conference and strive to ensure its Framework for Action. This would encompass the preparation of national strategies and actions for meeting basic learning needs, universalizing access and promoting equity, broadening the means and scope of education, developing a supporting policy context, mobilizing resources and strengthening international cooperation to redress existing economic, social and gend er disparities which interfere with these aims. Non -governmental organizations can make an important contribution in designing and implementing educational programmes and should be recognized; b. Governments should strive to update or prepare strategies aimed at integrating environment and development as a cross - cutting issue into education at all levels within the next three years. This should be done in cooperation with all sectors of society. The strategies should set out policies and activities, and identify needs, cost, means and schedules for their implementation, evaluation and review. A thorough review of curricula should be undertaken to ensure a multidisciplinary approach, with environment and development issues and their socio-cultural and demographi c aspects and linkages. Due respect should be given to community -defined needs and diverse knowledge systems, including science, cultural and social sensitivities;
c. Countries are encouraged to set up national advisory environmental education coordinating b odies or round tables representative of various environmental, developmental, educational, gender and other interests, including non - governmental organizations, to encourage partnerships, help mobilize resources, and provide a source of information and focal point for international ties. These bodies would help mobilize and facilitate different population groups and communities to assess their own needs and to develop the necessary skills to create and implement their own environment and development initiat ives;
d. Educational authorities, with the appropriate assistance from community groups or non -governmental organizations, are recommended to assist or set up pre -service and in -service training programmes for all teachers, administrators, and educational pl anners, as well as non -formal educators in all sectors, addressing the nature and methods of environmental and development education and making use of relevant experience of non -governmental organizations;
e. Relevant authorities should ensure that every sch ool is assisted in designing environmental activity work plans, with the participation of students and staff. Schools should involve schoolchildren in local and regional studies on environmental health, including safe drinking water, sanitation and food an d ecosystems and in relevant activities, linking these studies with services and research in national parks, wildlife reserves, ecological heritage sites etc.;
f. Educational authorities should promote proven educational methods and the development of innova tive teaching methods for educational settings. They should also recognize appropriate traditional education systems in local communities;
g. Within two years the United Nations system should undertake a comprehensive review of its educational programmes, encompassing training and public awareness, to reassess priorities and reallocate resources. The UNESCO/UNEP International Environmental Education Programme should, in cooperation with the appropriate bodies of the United Nations system, Governments, non -governmental organizations and others, establish a programme within two years to integrate the decisions of the Conference into the existing United Nations framework adapted to the needs of educators at different levels and circumstances. Regional organizatio ns and national authorities should be encouraged to elaborate similar parallel programmes and opportunities by conducting an analysis of how to mobilize different sectors of the population in order to assess and address their environmental and development education needs;
h. There is a need to strengthen, within five years, information exchange by enhancing technologies and capacities necessary to promote environment and development education and public awareness. Countries should cooperate with each other and with the various social sectors and population groups to prepare educational tools that include regional environment and development issues and initiatives, using learning materials and resources suited to their own requirements;
i. Countries could support university and other tertiary activities and networks for environmental and development education. Cross-disciplinary courses could be made available to all students. Existing regional networks and activities and national university actions which promote r esearch and common teaching approaches on sustainable development should be built upon, and new partnerships and bridges created with the business and other independent sectors, as well as with all countries for technology, know -how, and knowledge exchange ; j. Countries, assisted by international organizations, non - governmental organizations and other sectors, could strengthen or establish national or regional centres of excellence in interdisciplinary research and education in environmental and developmental sciences, law and the management of specific environmental problems. Such centres could be universities or existing networks in each country or region, promoting cooperative research and information sharing and dissemination. At the global level these func tions should be performed by appropriate institutions;
k. Countries should facilitate and promote non -formal education activities at the local, regional and national levels by cooperating with and supporting the efforts of non -formal educators and other comm unity-based organizations. The appropriate bodies of the United Nations system in cooperation with non -governmental organizations should encourage the development of an international network for the achievement of global educational aims. At the national a nd local levels, public and scholastic forums should discuss environmental and development issues, and suggest sustainable alternatives to policy makers;
l. Educational authorities, with appropriate assistance of non - governmental organizations, including wom en's and indigenous peoples' organizations, should promote all kinds of adult education programmes for continuing education in environment and development, basing activities around elementary/secondary schools and local problems. These authorities and indu stry should encourage business, industrial and agricultural schools to include such topics in their curricula. The corporate sector could include sustainable development in their education and training programmes. Programmes at a post -graduate level should include specific courses aiming at the further training of decision makers;
m. Governments and educational authorities should foster opportunities for women in non -traditional fields and eliminate gender stereotyping in curricula. This could be done by improving enrolment opportunities, including females in advanced programmes as students and instructors, reforming entrance and teacher staffing policies and providing incentives for establishing child -care facilities, as appropriate. Priority should be given t o education of young females and to programmes promoting literacy among women;
n. Governments should affirm the rights of indigenous peoples, by legislation if necessary, to use their experience and understanding of sustainable development to play a part in education and training;
o. The United Nations could maintain a monitoring and evaluative role regarding decisions of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development on education and awareness, through the relevant United Nations agencies. With Governments and non -governmental organizations, as appropriate, it should present and disseminate decisions in a variety of forms, and should ensure the continuous implementation and review of the educational implications of Conference decisions, in particu lar through relevant events and conferences.
Means of implementation Financing and cost evaluation
36.6. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $8 billion to $9 billion, including about $3.5 billion to $4.5 billion from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order-of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial te rms, including any that are non -concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.
36.7. In the light of country -specific situations, more support for education, training and public awa reness activities related to environment and development could be provided, in appropriate cases, through measures such as the following:
a. Giving higher priority to those sectors in budget allocations, protecting them from structural cutting requirements;
b. Shifting allocations within existing education budgets in favour of primary education, with focus on environment and development;
c. Promoting conditions where a larger share of the cost is borne by local communities, with rich communities assisting poorer ones;
d. Obtaining additional funds from private donors concentrating on the poorest countries, and those with rates of literacy below 40 per cent;
e. Encouraging debt for education swaps;
f. Lifting restrictions on private schooling and increasing the flow of f unds from and to non-governmental organizations, including small -scale grass -roots organizations;
g. Promoting the effective use of existing facilities, for example, multiple school shifts, fuller development of open universities and other long -distance teaching; h. Facilitating low -cost or no -cost use of mass media for the purposes of education;
i. Encouraging twinning of universities in developed and developing countries.
B. Increasing public awareness
Basis for action
36.8. There is still a considerable lack of awaren ess of the interrelated nature of all human activities and the environment, due to inaccurate or insufficient information. Developing countries in particular lack relevant technologies and expertise. There is a need to increase public sensitivity to enviro nment and development problems and involvement in their solutions and foster a sense of personal environmental responsibility and greater motivation and commitment towards sustainable development.

Objective
36.9. The objective is to promote broad public aware ness as an essential part of a global education effort to strengthen attitudes, values and actions which are compatible with sustainable development. It is important to stress the principle of devolving authority, accountability and resources to the most appropriate level with preference given to local responsibility and control over awareness -building activities.
Activities
36.10. Recognizing that countries, regional and international organizations will develop their own priorities and schedules for implementat ion in accordance with their needs, policies and programmes, the following activities are proposed:
a. Countries should strengthen existing advisory bodies or establish new ones for public environment and development information, and should coordinate activi ties with, among others, the United Nations, non -governmental organizations and important media. They should encourage public participation in discussions of environmental policies and assessments. Governments should also facilitate and support national to local networking of information through existing networks;
b. The United Nations system should improve its outreach in the course of a review of its education and public awareness activities to promote greater involvement and coordination of all parts of th e system, especially its information bodies and regional and country operations. Systematic surveys of the impact of awareness programmes should be conducted, recognizing the needs and contributions of specific community groups;
c. Countries and regional org anizations should be encouraged, as appropriate, to provide public environmental and development information services for raising the awareness of all groups, the private sector and particularly decision makers;
d. Countries should stimulate educational esta blishments in all sectors, especially the tertiary sector, to contribute more to awareness building. Educational materials of all kinds and for all audiences should be based on the best available scientific information, including the natural, behavioural a nd social sciences, and taking into account aesthetic and ethical dimensions;
e. Countries and the United Nations system should promote a cooperative relationship with the media, popular theatre groups, and entertainment and advertising industries by initiating discussions to mobilize their experience in shaping public behaviour and consumption patterns and making wide use of their methods. Such cooperation would also increase the active public participation in the debate on the environment. UNICEF should mak e child-oriented material available to media as an educational tool, ensuring close cooperation between the out -of-school public information sector and the school curriculum, for the primary level. UNESCO, UNEP and universities should enrich pre -service curricula for journalists on environment and development topics;
f. Countries, in cooperation with the scientific community, should establish ways of employing modern communication technologies for effective public outreach. National and local educational authorities and relevant United Nations agencies should expand, as appropriate, the use of audio -visual methods, especially in rural areas in mobile units, by producing television and radio programmes for developing countries, involving local participation, em ploying interactive multimedia methods and integrating advanced methods with folk media;
g. Countries should promote, as appropriate, environmentally sound leisure and tourism activities, building on The Hague Declaration of Tourism (1989) and the current pr ogrammes of the World Tourism Organization and UNEP, making suitable use of museums, heritage sites, zoos, botanical gardens, national parks, and other protected areas;
h. Countries should encourage non -governmental organizations to increase their involvemen t in environmental and development problems, through joint awareness initiatives and improved interchange with other constituencies in society;
i. Countries and the United Nations system should increase their interaction with and include, as appropriate, indi genous people in the management, planning and development of their local environment, and should promote dissemination of traditional and socially learned knowledge through means based on local customs, especially in rural areas, integrating these efforts with the electronic media, whenever appropriate;
j. UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP and non -governmental organizations should develop support programmes to involve young people and children in environment and development issues, such as children's and youth hearings an d building on decisions of the World Summit for Children (A/45/625, annex);
k. Countries, the United Nations and non -governmental organizations should encourage mobilization of both men and women in awareness campaigns, stressing the role of the family in environmental activities, women's contribution to transmission of knowledge and social values and the development of human resources;
l. Public awareness should be heightened regarding the impacts of violence in society.
Means of implementation Financing and cost evaluation
36.11. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $1.2 billion, including about $110 million from the international community on grant or concess ional terms. These are indicative and order -of- magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non -concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.
C. Promoting training
Basis for action
36.12. Training is one of the most important tools to develop human resources and facilitate the transition to a more sustainable world. It should have a job -specific focus, aim ed at filling gaps in knowledge and skill that would help individuals find employment and be involved in environmental and development work. At the same time, training programmes should promote a greater awareness of environment and development issues as a two-way learning process.
Objectives
36.13. The following objectives are proposed:
a. To establish or strengthen vocational training programmes that meet the needs of environment and development with ensured access to training opportunities, regardless of social status, age, gender, race or religion;
b. To promote a flexible and adaptable workforce of various ages equipped to meet growing environment and development problems and changes arising from the transition to a sustainable society;
c. To strengthen national c apacities, particularly in scientific education and training, to enable Governments, employers and workers to meet their environmental and development objectives and to facilitate the transfer and assimilation of new environmentally sound, socially accepta ble and appropriate technology and know -how;
d. To ensure that environmental and human ecological considerations are integrated at all managerial levels and in all functional management areas, such as marketing, production and finance.
Activities
36.14. Countries with the support of the United Nations system should identify workforce training needs and assess measures to be taken to meet those needs. A review of progress in this area could be undertaken by the United Nations system in 1995.

36.15. National professional associations are encouraged to develop and review their codes of ethics and conduct to strengthen environmental connections and commitment. The training and personal development components of programmes sponsored by professional bodies should ensure incorporation of skills and information on the implementation of sustainable development at all points of policy- and decision-making.

36.16. Countries and educational institutions should integrate environmental and developmental issues into existing training curric ula and promote the exchange of their methodologies and evaluations.

36.17. Countries should encourage all sectors of society, such as industry, universities, government officials and employees, non -governmental organizations and community organizations, to inc lude an environmental management component in all relevant training activities, with emphasis on meeting immediate skill requirements through short -term formal and in -plant vocational and management training. Environmental management training capacities sh ould be strengthened, and specialized "training of trainers" programmes should be established to support training at the national and enterprise levels. New training approaches for existing environmentally sound practices should be developed that create em ployment opportunities and make maximum use of local resource -based methods.

36.18. Countries should strengthen or establish practical training programmes for graduates from vocational schools, high schools and universities, in all countries, to enable them to meet labour market requirements and to achieve sustainable livelihoods. Training and retraining programmes should be established to meet structural adjustments which have an impact on employment and skill qualifications.
36.19. Governments are encouraged to cons ult with people in isolated situations, whether geographically, culturally or socially, to ascertain their needs for training to enable them to contribute more fully to developing sustainable work practices and lifestyles.
36.20. Governments, industry, trade uni ons, and consumers should promote an understanding of the interrelationship between good environment and good business practices.

36.21. Countries should develop a service of locally trained and recruited environmental technicians able to provide local people and communities, particularly in deprived urban and rural areas, with the services they require, starting from primary environmental care.

36.22. Countries should enhance the ability to gain access to, analyse and effectively use information and knowledge avail able on environment and development. Existing or established special training programmes should be strengthened to support information needs of special groups. The impact of these programmes on productivity, health, safety and employment should be evaluate d. National and regional environmental labour -market information systems should be developed that would supply, on a continuing basis, data on environmental job and training opportunities. Environment and development training resource -guides should be prep ared and updated, with information on training programmes, curricula, methodologies and evaluation results at the local, national, regional and international levels.

36.23. Aid agencies should strengthen the training component in all development projects, empha sizing a multidisciplinary approach, promoting awareness and providing the necessary skills for transition to a sustainable society. The environmental management guidelines of UNDP for operational activities of the United Nations system may contribute to t his end.
36.24. Existing networks of employers' and workers' organizations, industry associations and non - governmental organizations should facilitate the exchange of experience concerning training and awareness programmes.
36.25. Governments, in cooperation with rele vant international organizations, should develop and implement strategies to deal with national, regional and local environmental threats and emergencies, emphasizing urgent practical training and awareness programmes for increasing public preparedness.

36.26. The United Nations system, as appropriate, should extend its training programmes, particularly its environmental training and support activities for employers' and workers' organizations.
Means of implementation Financing and cost evaluation
36.27. The Conferen ce secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this programme to be about $5 billion, including about $2 billion from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order-of- magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non -concessional, will depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for im plementation.

Notes

1. Intergovernmental Conference on Environmental Education: Final Report (Paris, UNESCO, 1978), chap. III.
2. Final Report of the World Conference on Education for All: Meeting Basic Learning Needs, Jomtien, Thailand, 5-9 March 1990 (New York, Inter -Agency Commission (UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank) for the World Conference on Education for All, 1990).
   Agenda 21 – Chapter 37 NATIONAL MECHANISMS AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR CAPACITY-BUILDING IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES PROGRAMME AR EA

Basis for action

37.1. The ability of a country to follow sustainable development paths is determined to a large extent by the capacity of its people and its institutions as well as by its ecological and geographical conditions. Specifically, capacity -building encompasses the country's human, scientific, technological, organizational, institutional and resource capabilities. A fundamental goal of capacity -building is to enhance the ability to evaluate and address the crucial questions related to policy cho ices and modes of implementation among development options, based on an understanding of environmental potentials and limits and of needs as perceived by the people of the country concerned. As a result, the need to strengthen national capacities is shared by all countries.

37.2. Building endogenous capacity to implement Agenda 21 will require the efforts of the countries themselves in partnership with relevant United Nations organizations, as well as with developed countries. The international community at the national, subregional and regional levels, municipalities, non -governmental organizations, universities and research centres, and business and other private institutions and organizations could also assist in these efforts. It is essential for individual countries to identify priorities and determine the means for building the capacity and capability to implement Agenda 21, taking into account their environmental and economic needs. Skills, knowledge and technical know -how at the individual and institution al levels are necessary for institution-building, policy analysis and development management, including the assessment of alternative courses of action with a view to enhancing access to and tranfer of technology and promoting economic development. Technic al cooperation, including that related to technology transfer and know -how, encompasses the whole range of activities to develop or strengthen individual and group capacities and capabilities. It should serve the purpose of long -term capacity - building and needs to be managed and coordinated by the countries themselves. Technical cooperation, including that related to technology transfer and know -how, is effective only when it is derived from and related to a country's own strategies and priorities on enviro nment and development and when development agencies and Governments define improved and consistent policies and procedures to support this process.

Objectives

37.3. The overall objectives of endogenous capacity -building in this programme area are to develop and improve national and related subregional and regional capacities and capabilities for sustainable development, with the involvement of the non -governmental sectors. The programme should assist by:
a. Promoting an ongoing participatory process to define c ountry needs and priorities in promoting Agenda 21 and to give importance to technical and professional human resource development and development of institutional capacities and capabilities on the agenda of countries, with due recognition of the potentia l for optimum use of existing human resources as well as enhancement of the efficiency of existing institutions and non-governmental organizations, including scientific and technological institutions;
b. Reorienting technical cooperation and, in that process , setting new priorities in the field, including that related to transfer of technology and know -how processes, while giving due attention to the specific conditions and individual needs of recipients, and improving coordination among providers of assistan ce for support to countries' own programmes of action. This coordination should also include non -governmental organizations and scientific and technological institutions, as well as business and industry whenever appropriate;
c. Shifting time horizons in pro gramme planning and implementation for the development and strengthening of institutional structures to permit an enhancement of their ability to respond to new longer -term challenges rather than concentrating only on immediate problems;
d. Improving and reo rienting existing international multilateral institutions with responsibilities for environment and/or development matters to ensure that those institutions have the capability and capacity to integrate environment and development;
e. Improving institutional capacity and capability, both public and private, in order to evaluate the environmental impact of all development projects.
37.4. Specific objectives include the following:
a. Each country should aim to complete, as soon as practicable, if possible by 1994, a review of capacity - and capability -building requirements for devising national sustainable development strategies, including those for generating and implementing its own Agenda 21 action programme;
b. By 1997, the Secretary -General should submit to the Gener al Assembly a report on the achievement of improved policies, coordination systems and procedures for strengthening the implementation of technical cooperation programmes for sustainable development, as well as on additional measures required to strengthen such cooperation. That report should be prepared on the basis of information provided by countries, international organizations, environment and development institutions, donor agencies and non - governmental partners.
Activities
a. Building a national conse nsus and formulating capacity -building strategies for implementing Agenda 21
37.5. As an important aspect of overall planning, each country should seek internal consensus at all levels of society on policies and programmes needed for short - and long-term capaci ty-building to implement its Agenda 21 programme. This consensus should result from a participatory dialogue of relevant interest groups and lead to an identification of skill gaps, institutional capacities and capabilities, technological and scientific re quirements and resource needs to enhance environmental knowledge and administration to integrate environment and development. UNDP in partnership with relevant specialized agencies and other international intergovernmental and non -governmental organizations could assist, upon request of Governments, in the identification of the requirements for technical cooperation, including those related to technology transfer and know -how and development assistance for the implementation of Agenda 21. The national plann ing process together, where appropriate, with national sustainable development action plans or strategies should provide the framework for such cooperation and assistance. UNDP should use and further improve its network of field offices and its broad manda te to provide assistance, using its experience in the field of technical cooperation for facilitating capacity -building at the country and regional levels and making full use of the expertise of other bodies, in particular UNEP, the World Bank and regional commissions and development banks, as well as relevant international intergovernmental and non -governmental organizations.
b. Identification of national sources and presentation of requests for technical cooperation, including that related to technology tra nsfer and know -how in the framework of sector strategies
37.6. Countries desiring arrangements for technical cooperation, including that related to transfer of technology and know -how, with international organizations and donor institutions should formulate requests in the framework of long -term sector or subsector capacity -building strategies. Strategies should, as appropriate, address policy adjustments to be implemented, budgetary issues, cooperation and coordination among institutions, human resource require ments, and technology and scientific equipment requirements. They should cover public and private sector needs and consider strengthening scientific training and educational and research programmes, including such training in the developed countries and th e strengthening of centres of excellence in developing countries. Countries could designate and strengthen a central unit to organize and coordinate technical cooperation, linking it with the priority -setting and the resource allocation process.
c. Establishment of a review mechanism of technical cooperation in and related to technology transfer and know-how
37.7. Donors and recipients, the organizations and institutions of the United Nations system, and international public and private organizations should review the development of the cooperation process as it relates to technical cooperation, including that related to activities for the transfer of technology and know -how linked to sustainable development. To facilitate this process the Secretary - General could un dertake, taking into account work carried out by UNDP and other organizations in preparation for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, consultations with developing countries, regional organizations, organizations and institutions o f the United Nations system, including regional commissions, and multilateral and bilateral aid and environment agencies, with a view to further strengthening the endogenous capacities of countries and improving technical cooperation, including that relate d to the technology transfer and know -how process. The following aspects should be reviewed:
a. Evaluation of existing capacity and capability for the integrated management of environment and development, including technical, technological and institutional capacities and capabilities, and facilities to assess the environmental impact of development projects; and evaluation of abilities to respond to and link up with needs for technical cooperation, including that related to technology transfer and know-how, of Agenda 21 and the global conventions on climate change and biological diversity;
b. Assessment of the contribution of existing activities in technical cooperation, including that related to transfer of technology and know -how, towards strengthening and building national capacity and capability for integrated environment and development management and an assessment of the means of improving the quality of international technical cooperation, including that related to transfer of technolgy and know-how;
c. A strategy for shifting to a capacity - and capability -building thrust that recognizes the need for the operational integration of environment and development with longer-term commitments, having as a basis the set of national programmes established by each co untry, through a participatory process;
d. Consideration of greater use of long -term cooperative arrangements between municipalities, non -governmental organizations, universities, training and research centres and business, public and private institutions wi th counterparts in other countries or within countries or regions. Programmes such as the Sustainable Development Networks of UNDP should be assessed in this regard;
e. Strengthening of the sustainability of projects by including in the original project design consideration of environmental impacts, the costs of institution -building, human resource development and technology needs, as well as financial and organizational requirements for operation and maintenance;
f. Improvement of technical cooperation, includ ing that related to transfer of technology and know -how and management processes, by giving greater attention to capacity- and capability -building as an integral part of sustainable development strategies for environment and development programmes both in country-related coordination processes, such as consultative groups and round tables, and in sectoral coordination mechanisms to enable developing countries to participate actively in obtaining assistance from different sources.

d. Enhancement of the expert ise and collective contribution of the United Nations system for capacity - and capability -building initiatives
37.8. Organizations, organs, bodies and institutions of the United Nations system, together with other international and regional organizations and th e public and private sectors, could, as appropriate, strengthen their joint activities in technical cooperation, including that related to transfer of technology and know -how, in order to address linked environment and development issues and to promote coh erence and consistency of action. Organizations could assist and reinforce countries, particularly least developed countries, upon request, on matters relating to national environmental and developmental policies, human resource development and fielding of experts, legislation, natural resources and environmental data.

37.9. UNDP, the World Bank and regional multilateral development banks, as part of their participation in national and regional coordination mechanisms, should assist in facilitating capacity - and capability- building at the country level, drawing upon the special expertise and operational capacity of UNEP in the environmental field as well as of the specialized agencies, organizations of the United Nations system and regional and subregional organ izations in their respective areas of competence. For this purpose UNDP should mobilize funding for capacity - and capability -building, utilizing its network of field offices and its broad mandate and experience in the field of technical cooperation, includ ing that related to transfer of technology and know -how. UNDP, together with these international organizations, should at the same time continue to develop consultative processes to enhance the mobilization and coordination of funds from the international community for capacity - and capability-building, including the establishment of an appropriate database. These responsibilities may need to be accompanied by strengthening of the capacities of UNDP.

37.10. The national entity in charge of technical cooperation, with the assistance of the UNDP resident representatives and the UNEP representatives, should establish a small group of key actors to steer the process, giving priority to the country's own strategies and priorities. The experience gained through existin g planning exercises such as the national reports for the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, national conservation strategies and environment action plans should be fully used and incorporated into a country -driven, participatory and sustainable development strategy. This should be complemented with information networks and consultations with donor organizations in order to improve coordination, as well as access to the existing body of scientific and technical knowledge and informati on available in institutions elsewhere.
e. Harmonization of the delivery of assistance at the regional level
37.11. At the regional level, existing organizations should consider the desirability of improved regional and subregional consultative processes and round -table meetings to facilitate the exchange of data, information and experience in the implementation of Agenda 21. UNDP, building on the results of the regional surveys on capacity -building that those regional organizations carried out on the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development initiative, and in collaboration with existing regional, subregional or national organizations with potential for regional coordination, should provide a significant input for this purpose. The relevant national unit should establish a steering mechanism. A periodic review mechanism should be established among the countries of the region with the assistance of the appropriate relevant regional organizations and the participation of development banks, bilateral aid agencies and non -governmental organizations. Other possibilities are to develop national and regional research and training facilities building on existing regional and subregional institutions.
Means of implementation

Financing and cost evaluation

37.12. The cost of bilateral expenditures to developing countries for technical cooperation, including that related to transfer of technology and know -how, is about $15 billion or about 25 per cent of total official development assistance. The implementation of Ag enda 21 will require a more effective use of these funds and additional funding in key areas.

37.13. The Conference secretariat has estimated the average total annual cost (1993 -2000) of implementing the activities of this chapter to be between $300 million and $1 billion from the international community on grant or concessional terms. These are indicative and order -of-magnitude estimates only and have not been reviewed by Governments. Actual costs and financial terms, including any that are non -concessional, wi ll depend upon, inter alia, the specific strategies and programmes Governments decide upon for implementation.

Agenda 21 – Chapter 38 INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS BASIS FOR ACTION

38.1. The mandate of the United Nations Confere nce on Environment and Development emanates from General Assembly resolution 44/228, in which the Assembly, inter alia, affirmed that the Conference should elaborate strategies and measures to halt and reverse the effects of environmental degradation in the context of increased national and international efforts to promote sustainable and environmentally sound development in all countries and that the promotion of economic growth in developing countries is essential to address problems of environmental degr adation. The intergovernmental follow -up to the Conference process shall be within the framework of the United Nations system, with the General Assembly being the supreme policy -making forum that would provide overall guidance to Governments, the United Na tions system and relevant treaty bodies. At the same time, Governments, as well as regional economic and technical cooperation organizations, have a responsibility to play an important role in the follow -up to the Conference. Their commitments and actions should be adequately supported by the United Nations system and multilateral financial institutions. Thus, national and international efforts would mutually benefit from one another.

38.2. In fulfilling the mandate of the Conference, there is a need for instit utional arrangements within the United Nations system in conformity with, and providing input into, the restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields, and the overall reform of the United Nations, includi ng ongoing changes in the Secretariat. In the spirit of reform and revitalization of the United Nations system, implementation of Agenda 21 and other conclusions of the Conference shall be based on an action - and result-oriented approach and consistent wit h the principles of universality, democracy, transparency, cost -effectiveness and accountability.

38.3. The United Nations system, with its multisectoral capacity and the extensive experience of a number of specialized agencies in various spheres of internatio nal cooperation in the field of environment and development, is uniquely positioned to assist Governments to establish more effective patterns of economic and social development with a view to achieving the objectives of Agenda 21 and sustainable developme nt.

38.4. All agencies of the United Nations system have a key role to play in the implementation of Agenda 21 within their respective competence. To ensure proper coordination and avoid duplication in the implementation of Agenda 21, there should be an effect ive division of labour between various parts of the United Nations system based on their terms of reference and comparative advantages. Member States, through relevant governing bodies, are in a position to ensure that these tasks are carried out properly. In order to facilitate evaluation of agencies' performance and promote knowledge of their activities, all bodies of the United Nations system should be required to elaborate and publish reports of their activities concerning the implementation of Agenda 2 1 on a regular basis. Serious and continuous reviews of their policies, programmes, budgets and activities will also be required.

38.5. The continued active and effective participation of non -governmental organizations, the scientific community and the private sector, as well as local groups and communities, are important in the implementation of Agenda 21.

38.6. The institutional structure envisaged below will be based on agreement on financial resources and mechanisms, technology transfer, the Rio Declaration and Agenda 21. In addition, there has to be an effective link between substantive action and financial support, and this requires close and effective cooperation and exchange of information between the United Nations system and the multilateral financial institutions for the follow -up of Agenda 21 within the institutional arrangement.

OBJECTIVES

38.7. The overall objective is the integration of environment and development issues at national, subregional, regional and international levels, including in the Un ited Nations system institutional arrangements.

38.8. Specific objectives shall be:
a. To ensure and review the implementation of Agenda 21 so as to achieve sustainable development in all countries;
b. To enhance the role and functioning of the United Nations syst em in the field of environment and development. All relevant agencies, organizations and programmes of the United Nations system should adopt concrete programmes for the implementation of Agenda 21 and also provide policy guidance for United Nations activi ties or advice to Governments, upon request, within their areas of competence;
c. To strengthen cooperation and coordination on environment and development in the United Nations system;
d. To encourage interaction and cooperation between the United Nations sys tem and other intergovernmental and non -governmental subregional, regional and global institutions and non-governmental organizations in the field of environment and development;
e. To strengthen institutional capabilities and arrangements required for the e ffective implementation, follow -up and review of Agenda 21;
f. To assist in the strengthening and coordination of national, subregional and regional capacities and actions in the areas of environment and development;
g. To establish effective cooperation and e xchange of information between United Nations organs, organizations, programmes and the multilateral financial bodies, within the institutional arrangements for the follow -up of Agenda 21;
h. To respond to continuing and emerging issues relating to environme nt and development;
i. To ensure that any new institutional arrangements would support revitalization, clear division of responsibilities and the avoidance of duplication in the United Nations system and depend to the maximum extent possible upon existing re sources.
INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE
A. General Assembly

38.9. The General Assembly, as the highest intergovernmental mechanism, is the principal policy -making and appraisal organ on matters relating to the follow -up of the Conference. The Assembly would organize a regular review of the implementation of Agenda 21. In fulfilling this task, the Assembly could consider the timing, format and organizational aspects of such a review. In particular, the Assembly could consider holding a special session not later than 1 997 for the overall review and appraisal of Agenda 21, with adequate preparations at a high level.

B. Economic and Social Council

38.10. The Economic and Social Council, in the context of its role under the Charter vis -a-vis the General Assembly and the ongoi ng restructuring and revitalization of the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields, would assist the General Assembly by overseeing system -wide coordination in the implementation of Agenda 21 and making recommendations in this regard. In addition, the Council would undertake the task of directing system -wide coordination and integration of environmental and developmental aspects of United Nations policies and programmes and would make appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly, sp ecialized agencies concerned and Member States. Appropriate steps should be taken to obtain regular reports from specialized agencies on their plans and programmes related to the implementation of Agenda 21, pursuant to Article 64 of the Charter of the Uni ted Nations. The Economic and Social Council should organize a periodic review of the work of the Commission on Sustainable Development envisaged in paragraph 38.11, as well as of system -wide activities to integrate environment and development, making full use of its high-level and coordination segments.

C. Commission on Sustainable Development

38.11. In order to ensure the effective follow -up of the Conference, as well as to enhance international cooperation and rationalize the intergovernmental decision -making capacity for the integration of environment and development issues and to examine the progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 at the national, regional and international levels, a high -level Commission on Sustainable Development should be establishe d in accordance with Article 68 of the Charter of the United Nations. This Commission would report to the Economic and Social Council in the context of the Council's role under the Charter vis --vis the General Assembly. It would consist of representatives of States elected as members with due regard to equitable geographical distribution. Representatives of non-member States of the Commission would have observer status. The Commission should provide for the active involvement of organs, programmes and organ izations of the United Nations system, international financial institutions and other relevant intergovernmental organizations, and encourage the participation of non -governmental organizations, including industry and the business and scientific communitie s. The first meeting of the Commission should be convened no later than 1993. The Commission should be supported by the secretariat envisaged in paragraph 38.19. Meanwhile the Secretary-General of the United Nations is requested to ensure adequate interim administrative secretariat arrangements.

38.12. The General Assembly, at its forty -seventh session, should determine specific organizational modalities for the work of this Commission, such as its membership, its relationship with other intergovernmental United Nations bodies dealing with matters related to environment and development, and the frequency, duration and venue of its meetings. These modalities should take into account the ongoing process of revitalization and restructuring of the work of the United Nations in the economic, social and related fields, in particular measures recommended by the General Assembly in resolutions 45/264 of 13 May 1991 and 46/235 of 13 April 1992 and other relevant Assembly resolutions. In this respect, the Secretary -General of the United Nations, with the assistance of the Secretary -General of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, is requested to prepare for the Assembly a report with appropriate recommendations and proposals.

38.13. The Commission on Susta inable Development should have the following functions:
a. To monitor progress in the implementation of Agenda 21 and activities related to the integration of environmental and developmental goals throughout the United Nations system through analysis and eva luation of reports from all relevant organs, organizations, programmes and institutions of the United Nations system dealing with various issues of environment and development, including those related to finance;
b. To consider information provided by Govern ments, including, for example, information in the form of periodic communications or national reports regarding the activities they undertake to implement Agenda 21, the problems they face, such as problems related to financial resources and technology tra nsfer, and other environment and development issues they find relevant;
c. To review the progress in the implementation of the commitments contained in Agenda 21, including those related to provision of financial resources and transfer of technology;
d. To receive and analyse relevant input from competent non -governmental organizations, including the scientific and private sectors, in the context of the overall implementation of Agenda 21;
e. To enhance the dialogue, within the framework of the United Nations, wi th non- governmental organizations and the independent sector, as well as other entities outside the United Nations system;
f. To consider, where appropriate, information regarding the progress made in the implementation of environmental conventions, which co uld be made available by the relevant Conferences of Parties;
g. To provide appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly through the Economic and Social Council on the basis of an integrated consideration of the reports and issues related to the imple mentation of Agenda 21;
h. To consider, at an appropriate time, the results of the review to be conducted expeditiously by the Secretary -General of all recommendations of the Conference for capacity-building programmes, information networks, task forces and other mechanisms to support the integration of environment and development at regional and subregional levels.
38.14. Within the intergovernmental framework, consideration should be given to allowing non - governmental organizations, including those related to maj or groups, particularly women's groups, committed to the implementation of Agenda 21 to have relevant information available to them, including information, reports and other data produced within the United Nations system.

D. The Secretary -General

38.15. Strong and effective leadership on the part of the Secretary -General is crucial, since he/she would be the focal point of the institutional arrangements within the United Nations system for the successful follow-up to the Conference and for the implementation o f Agenda 21.

E. High-level inter -agency coordination mechanism

38.16. Agenda 21, as the basis for action by the international community to integrate environment and development, should provide the principal framework for coordination of relevant activities wi thin the United Nations system. To ensure effective monitoring, coordination and supervision of the involvement of the United Nations system in the follow -up to the Conference, there is a need for a coordination mechanism under the direct leadership of the Secretary -General.

38.17. This task should be given to the Administrative Committee on Coordination (ACC), headed by the Secretary-General. ACC would thus provide a vital link and interface between the multilateral financial institutions and other United Natio ns bodies at the highest administrative level. The Secretary-General should continue to revitalize the functioning of the Committee. All heads of agencies and institutions of the United Nations system shall be expected to cooperate with the Secretary-General fully in order to make ACC work effectively in fulfilling its crucial role and ensure successful implementation of Agenda 21. ACC should consider establishing a special task force, subcommittee or sustainable development board, taking into account the e xperience of the Designated Officials for Environmental Matters (DOEM) and the Committee of International Development Institutions on Environment (CIDIE), as well as the respective roles of UNEP and UNDP. Its report should be submitted to the relevant inte rgovernmental bodies.

F. High-level advisory body

38.18. Intergovernmental bodies, the Secretary -General and the United Nations system as a whole may also benefit from the expertise of a high -level advisory board consisting of eminent persons knowledgeable ab out environment and development, including relevant sciences, appointed by the Secretary-General in their personal capacity. In this regard, the Secretary -General should make appropriate recommendations to the General Assembly at its forty -seventh session.

G. Secretariat support structure

38.19. A highly qualified and competent secretariat support structure within the United Nations Secretariat, drawing, inter alia, on the expertise gained in the Conference preparatory process is essential for the follow -up to the Conference and the implementation of Agenda 21. This secretariat support structure should provide support to the work of both intergovernmental and inter -agency coordination mechanisms. Concrete organizational decisions fall within the competence of t he Secretary-General as the chief administrative officer of the Organization, who is requested to report on the provisions to be made, covering staffing implications, as soon as practicable, taking into account gender balance as defined in Article 8 of the Charter of the United Nations and the need for the best use of existing resources in the context of the current and ongoing restructuring of the United Nations Secretariat.

H. Organs, programmes and organizations of the United Nations system

38.20. In the follow-up to the Conference, in particular the implementation of Agenda 21, all relevant organs, programmes and organizations of the United Nations system will have an important role within their respective areas of expertise and mandates in supporting and s upplementing national efforts. Coordination and mutual complementarity of their efforts to promote integration of environment and development can be enhanced by encouraging countries to maintain consistent positions in the various governing bodies.

1. United Nations Environment Programme
   38.21. In the follow-up to the Conference, there will be a need for an enhanced and strengthened role for UNEP and its Governing Council. The Governing Council should, within its mandate, continue to play its role with regard to po licy guidance and coordination in the field of the environment, taking into account the development perspective.
   38.22. Priority areas on which UNEP should concentrate include the following:
   a. Strengthening its catalytic role in stimulating and promoting environm ental activities and considerations throughout the United Nations system;
   b. Promoting international cooperation in the field of environment and recommending, as appropriate, policies to this end;
   c. Developing and promoting the use of such techniques as natur al resource accounting and environmental economics;
   d. Environmental monitoring and assessment, both through improved participation by the United Nations system agencies in the Earthwatch programme and expanded relations with private scientific and non-governmental research institutes; strengthening and making operational its early-warning function;
   e. Coordination and promotion of relevant scientific research with a view to providing a consolidated basis for decision -making;
   f. Dissemination of environmental information and data to Governments and to organs, programmes and organizations of the United Nations system;
   g. Raising general awareness and action in the area of environmental protection through collaboration with the general public, non-governmental entities and intergovernmental institutions;
   h. Further development of international environmental law, in particular conventions and guidelines, promotion of its implementation, and coordinating functions arising from an increasing number of international legal agreements, inter alia, the functioning of the secretariats of the Conventions, taking into account the need for the most efficient use of resources, including possible co-location of secretariats established in the future;
   i. Further development and promotion of the widest possible use of environmental impact assessments, including activities carried out under the auspices of specialized agencies of the United Nations system, and in connection with every significant economic development project or activity;
   j. Facilitation of information exchange on environmentally sound technologies, including legal aspects, and provision of training;
   k. Promotion of subregional and regional cooperation and support to relevant initiatives and programmes for environmental protection, including playing a major contributing and coordinating role in the regional mechanisms in the field of environment identified for the follow-up to the Conference;
   l. Provision of technical, legal and institutional advice to Governments, upon request, in establishing and enhancing their national legal and institutional frameworks, in particular, in cooperation with UNDP capacity-building efforts;
   m. Support to Governments, upon request, and development agencies and organs in the integration of environmental aspects into their development policies and programmes, in particular through provision of environmental, technical and policy advice during programme formulation and implementation;
   n. Further developing assessment and assistance in cases of environmental emergencies.
   38.23. In order to perform all of these functions, while retaining its role as the principal body within the United Nations system in the field of environment and taking into account the development aspects of environmental questions, UNEP would require access to greater expertise and provision of adequate financial resources and it would require closer cooperation and collaboration with development organs and other relevant organs of the United Nations system. Furthermore, the regional offices of UNEP should be strengthened without weakening its headquarters in Nairobi, and UNEP should take steps to reinforce and intensify its liaison and interaction with UNDP and the World Bank.

United Nations Development Programme
38.24. UNDP, like UNEP, also has a crucial role in the follow-up to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. Through its network of field offices it would foster the United Nations system's collective thrust in support of the implementation of Agenda 21, at the country, regional, interregional and global levels, drawing on the expertise of the specialized agencies and other United Nations organizations and bodies involved in operational activities. The role of the resident representative/resident coordinator of UNDP needs to be strengthened in order to coordinate the field-level activities of the United Nations operational activities.
38.25. Its role should include the following: