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 28
Chapter 28: Local Authorities

Many of the problems and solutions listed in Agenda 21 have their roots in local activities, so local authorities have a key role to play in making sustainable development happen.

Local authorities, such as municipal governments, build and maintain such structures as drinking water systems and roads. They oversee the planning of housing and industrial development, set local environmental policies and help to implement national environmental policies.

As the level of government closest to the people, they play a vital role in educating and mobilizing the public around sustainable development. By 1996, every local authority should have consulted with its citizens, and developed "a local Agenda 21" for the community.

Local officials should consult citizens and community, business and industrial organizations to gather information and build a consensus on sustainable development strategies. This consensus would help them re-shape local programmes, policies, laws and regulations to achieve Agenda 21 objectives. The process of consultation would increase people’s awareness of sustainable development issues.

During 1993 and 1994, local efforts should start to be linked at the international level, so people can share information and ideas and expertise from the community level. Such organizations as the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat), should collect information on local strategies. Support should also come from the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Environment and Development Programme, the International Union of Local Authorities, World Association of the Major Metropolises, the Summit of Great Cities of the World and the United Towns Organization.

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