The United Nations' Global Conference on Environment and Development was held in Rio in 1992. Its declaration is called

The correct answer is - Agenda 21

Key Points

• Agenda 21
  • Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally, and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, governments, and major groups in every area in which humans impact the environment.
  • It was adopted by more than 178 Governments at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.
  • The "21" in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st Century.
  • The document was a result of the Earth Summit and addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century.

Additional Information

• United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)
  • UNCED, also known as the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, was a major United Nations conference held from June 3 to June 14, 1992.
  • The conference brought together leaders from 172 countries, including 108 heads of state or government, and representatives from 2,400 non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
  • The primary goal of the summit was to rethink economic growth, advance social equity, and ensure environmental protection.
• Key Outcomes of the Earth Summit
  • Besides Agenda 21, the Earth Summit led to the adoption of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, which consists of 27 principles intended to guide future sustainable development around the world.
  • It also produced the Statement of Forest Principles, which sets out principles for the sustainable management of forests worldwide.
  • Two legally binding agreements were opened for signature: the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Implementation of Agenda 21
  • Agenda 21 covers topics such as combating poverty, changing consumption patterns, promoting health, sustainable settlement patterns, and integrating environment and development in decision-making.
  • Implementation of Agenda 21 is primarily the responsibility of national governments, but it also involves a range of stakeholders including local authorities, NGOs, and the private sector.
  • Local Agenda 21 initiatives are local government processes to engage communities in planning for sustainable development at the local level.