Agenda 21 is a non-binding international programme, produced during the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Rio de Janeiro, June 1992. It comprises an agreed programme of work for the period 1993-2000, based on the 27 principles of the Declaration of Rio de Janeiro, and contains 40 chapters of actions grouped into four sections: (1) the social and economic dimensions; (2) the environmental dimensions; (3) and strengthening of the role of major groups; and (4) resources and instruments.
Agenda 21 recommended that the Secretary-General of the UN should report, on the basis of information from national parties, on the policy improvements, coordination systems and procedures for implementation of programmes. Information should be delivered by countries, international organizations, donor agencies and NGOs. Effective cooperation between the UN and the multilateral financial organizations should ensure that concrete actions are undertaken and that the necessary measures are financed. Generally, implementation should be financed by national governments and the private sector. Every country should analyse (preferably at least by 1994) the needs for enlarging the capacity to develop a national sustainable development strategy.
This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.
UNCED decided that the task of monitoring, coordinating and supervising UNCED follow-up by the UN-system 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 UN 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 UN system would 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. The ACC should consider establishing a special task force, subcommittee or sustainable development board, taking into account the experience of the Designated Officials on Environmental Matters (DOEM) and the Committee of International Development Institutions on the Environment (CIDIE) as well as the respective roles of the UNEP and UNDP. Its report should be submitted to the relevant intergovernmental bodies.