Chapter 1 - Preamble

Section 1 - Social & Economic Dimensions

Section 2 - Conservation and Management of Resources

Section 3 - Strengthening the Role of Major Groups

Section 4 - Means of Implementation
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40

Complete text of Agenda 21: Chapter 33
Chapter 33: Financing Sustainable Development

Very large investments are needed to implement the huge sustainable development programmes of Agenda 21 to which the world’s nations committed themselves at Rio de Janeiro. Although most of the funding is to come from a country’s own public and private sectors, many developing countries lack the resources and technology to deal with basic development issues and such major international problems as climate change and protecting biological diversity.

Developing countries need to stimulate economic growth and social development and to eradicate poverty. These are essential conditions for global sustainability.

Providing developing countries with adequate resources will serve the common interests of all nations and of future generations. The cost of inaction is likely to outweigh the financial costs of implementing Agenda 21.

Developing countries will have to clearly spell out their priority actions and needs for sustainable development. Developed countries should commit themselves to addressing these priorities. Given the major costs involved, it is essential that developed countries provide new and additional financial resources.

Developed countries reaffirm their commitments to reach the accepted United Nations target of providing 0.7 per cent of their annual Gross National Product (GNP) in official development assistance to the world. Those countries that have already reached the target are commended and encouraged to continue.

Major international funding organizations, such as the International Development Association, regional development banks and the United Nation’s Global Environment Facility, should have sufficient flexibility to help developing nations meet the additional expenses needed to carry out Agenda 21 projects. The United Nations Development Programme should have the resources needed to help countries in developing the skills and expertise needed to implement sustainable development.

There is a need for the world to help low and middle-income developing countries deal with problems of foreign debt, so they will have funds to invest in sustainable forms of development. There is also a need for higher levels of foreign investment, and the transfer of clean and efficient technologies. These should be encouraged by national policies that promote investment and encourage joint ventures. Developing nations need free trade and access to markets in order to achieve the economic growth that will enable them to carry out sustainable development programmes.

Special efforts are needed to provide funds through public contributions to non-governmental organizations.

Funds could also be raised by reallocating resources now committed to military purposes.

For more information on this subject, please see Chapter 2: International Cooperation.

Next Chapter