Chapter 1 - Preamble

Section 1 - Social & Economic Dimensions

Section 2 - Conservation and Management of Resources

Section 3 - Strengthening the Role of Major Groups
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32

Section 4 - Means of Implementation

Complete text of Agenda 21: Chapter 27
Chapter 27: Partnerships with NGOs

Non-governmental organizations play a vital role in the shaping and implementation of participatory democracy. Independence from government and other sectors of society is one of their major attributes. In addition to their independence, non-governmental organizations have diverse and well-established expertise in fields needed to implement environmentally sound and socially responsible sustainable development.

As a result, the global network of non-governmental organizations should be recognized and supported as partners in implementing Agenda 21. These groups can play an important role in helping society to agree on how to move away from unsustainable development patterns.

Both the United Nations system and individual governments should invite non-governmental organizations to be involved in making policies and decisions on sustainable development. They should also make non-governmental organizations part of a process to review and evaluate how Agenda 21 is being put into practice. These organizations should be given timely access to the data and information they need to support sustainable development. Governments should encourage sustainable development partnerships between non-governmental organizations and local authorities.

The United Nations should see that all its agencies draw on the expertise of non-governmental organizations, and the UN should review its financial and administrative support for these organizations to strengthen their role as partners.

Governments should involve non-governmental organizations in sustainable development plans, making the best use of their abilities in such fields as education, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection and rehabilitation. The findings of non-governmental groups should be used by governments in shaping policies on sustainability.

Countries will need to ensure that non-governmental organizations are allowed to form consultative groups. Governments also need laws giving non-governmental organizations the right to take legal action to protect the public interest.

Non-governmental organizations, particularly in developing countries, will require significant additional funding to help them contribute to sustainable development and to monitor progress on Agenda 21.

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