Agenda 21, also referred to as Earth Summit, is an all-inclusive plan of action that is

to be completed globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United

Nations System, governments, and major environmental groups in every area in
which humans impact the environment. Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration on
Environment and Development, and the Statement of principles for the Sustainable
Management of Forests were all adopted by more than 178 governments at the
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development that was held in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil June 13-14, 1992.
The Commission on Sustainable Development was created in December 1992 to
ensure successful follow-up of UNCED and to monitor and report on execution of the
agreements at all levels. All 178 governments agreed that a special session of the
United Nations General Assembly would be called in 1997 to review the progress of
Agenda 21 after a 5-year introduction period. The full implementation of Agenda 21
was reaffirmed at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) held in
Johannesburg, South Africa from August 26 - September 4, 2002.
Agenda 21 is not just about making improvements in nature. It also includes plans
of action regarding poverty, hunger, ill health, illiteracy, as well as the continuing
deterioration of the ecosystems. The success of Agenda 21 is contingent upon
integration of environmental and developmental concerns and greater attention to
them. It is also dependant upon the fulfillment of basic needs, improved living
standards for all, and better protected and managed ecosystems. Only if this is
accomplished can we be assured a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can
achieve this alone, however; if all nations
work together to construct a global partnership for sustainable development, we
can achieve the goals set forth in Agenda 21
Agenda 21 concentrates on the urgent problems of today and also aspires to
prepare the world for the challenges of the next century. It reflects a global
agreement and political commitment at the highest level on development and
environment teamwork. Its successful completion is first and foremost the
responsibility of Governments. National strategies, plans, policies and processes are
essential in accomplishing 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 sub regional 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.
Agenda 21 constitutes a plan of action for the 90s and the first part of the XXI
century, and is the global alliance of Humanity in favor of the environment and
development, in other words, sustainable development.

Agenda 21 is an extensive structural document consisting of 40 chapters drawn up

in the form of a plan of action. It is a project of actions for development to be
socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
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 fulfillment of
basic needs, improved living standards for all, better protected and managed
ecosystems and a safer, more prosperous future. No nation can achieve this alone;
but together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development.
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. 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 sub regional 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.
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 programmed areas. This assessment
will need to be examined and refined by the relevant implementing agencies and
organizations.
In the implementation of the relevant programmed 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.
The programmed 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 program. It will be carried out by the various actors according to the
different situations, capacities and priorities of countries and regions 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.
Agenda 21 is based on the premise that sustainable development is not
merely an option; it is imperative. This is as true in the environmental as it
is in the economic sense, and although the transition toward sustainable
development will be difficult, it is totally viable. It requires a major change
in the priorities of governments and citizens, involving a complete
integration of environmental facts into economic policy and decision-taking at all
levels of activity. Further, it will take a notable reorientation of human and financial
resources at the national and international levels. This global alliance is essential for
the global Community to take a new road to a more sustainable, secure and equal
future as we head toward the 21st century. The primary responsibility of our
common future is, strictly speaking, in our hands. ( Maurice F. Strong General
Secretary of the United Nation)
Agenda 21 has its roots covered in the 1992 Earth Summit adopted upon the active
involvement of governments throughout the world to the United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June 1992. It
is a program of action aim to create the Earth into a sustainable future for
generation to come. Basically, the Philippine Agenda 21 (PA 21) is the adaptation
of the Philippines obligation to the UNCED, which compose of the principles of
unity, the action agenda, and the implementation strategies. It puts down the
combined plan for the general enhancement of the nation to local areas.
As the result of the Earth Summit, it adopted the Agenda 21
Agenda 21 and Philippine Agenda 21 (PA 21) have the same common goal for
promoting sustainable development