Previous Year Question
Which one of the following is the correct definition of “Agenda 21”?
It is an action plan of U.N.O. for protecting human rights.
It is a book of 21 chapters on nuclear disarmament.
It is an action plan for the conservation of global environment in 21st century.
It is an agenda for the election of the President in the next meeting of SAARC.
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Agenda 21 is a comprehensive global action plan adopted by the United Nations to promote environmental protection and Sustainable Development in the 21st century. It was adopted during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from 3–14 June 1992. This conference is also known as the Earth Summit. The primary objective of Agenda 21 is to ensure the sustainable use of natural resources by establishing a balance between economic development, social welfare, and environmental protection.
Agenda 21 is a Voluntary and Non-Legally Binding Action Plan. It was designed for implementation by organizations of the United Nations system, national governments, local authorities, and various social organizations at global, national, and local levels. At the 1992 Earth Summit, more than 178 governments adopted Agenda 21, the Rio Declaration, and the Forest Principles. The programme prioritized activities such as poverty eradication, resource conservation, environmentally sound production, public health, education, and sustainable consumption.
Agenda 21 consists of 40 Chapters, organized into four major sections—Social and Economic Dimensions, Conservation and Management of Resources for Development, Strengthening the Role of Major Groups, and Means of Implementation. These sections address issues such as atmospheric protection related to Climate Change, prevention of deforestation, Biodiversity Conservation, combating desertification, freshwater management, and waste management. The number 21 in Agenda 21 refers to the 21st century, not to 21 chapters.
The United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) was established in December 1992 to monitor the implementation of Agenda 21. At the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), held in Johannesburg in 2002, the commitment to implementing Agenda 21 was reaffirmed. Subsequently, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, further advanced the integrated approach to environmental, economic, and social development.