Funding NGOs to monitor and assess the implementation of Agenda 21

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.

Agenda 21 indicates that the organizations of the UN system and other intergovernmental organizations and forums, bilateral programmes and the private sector, as appropriate, will need to provide increased financial and administrative support to non-governmental organizations and their self-organized networks, in particular those based in developing countries, as they contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of Agenda 21 programmes, and will also need to provide training for non-governmental organizations (and assist them to develop their own training programmes) at the international and regional levels so as to enhance their partnership role in programme design and implementation.

1. It is not uncommon to find many governments doing practically nothing or doing very little after the elaborate verbal praises for the usefulness of the world conferences and after the eloquent expression of commitment given by the heads of delegations. Governments must be honest in their commitments and establish self-monitoring systems in which NGOs can help tremendously.

1. Recognizing major non-governmental groups as key partners in implementing Agenda 21
2. Improving NGO participation in Agenda 21 review and evaluation
3. Advancing role of non-governmental organizations in sustainable development

1. Nonimplementation
2. Implementation