Sustainable human settlements development : implementing Agenda 21

This paper illustrates how human settlements policies and management are crucial for the achievement of the Agenda 21 goals. The first part emphasizes that sustainable development requires not only environmental protection but also a new concept of economic growth and a symbolic relationship between environment and development. The topics included are environmental consequences of rapid urban growth, appropriate management of human settlements, participation in decision-making and implementation, and partnership and the UN role as catalyst. The second part assesses the progress towards sustainable human settlement development including the role of major groups and of the scientific and technological means of implementation, as well as financial implications and the strategic role of joint programming. Part three suggests a number of priority issues to be addressed for the implementation of the programme; namely, bridging the resource gaps and linking technical assistance with capital investment; focusing on the "brown agenda" and urban poverty; using a balanced approach to all programme areas of chapter 7; strengthening the economic, political and social institutions and organization of civil society; improving management measures for the least developed countries; adopting a consortium approach to key issues; providing incentives for inter-agency initiatives; and expanding joint programming and strategic alliances. An annex reviews the current UN system activities to promote sustainable human settlements development, and analyses general trends in each of the programme areas of chapter 7 of Agenda 21.