Promoting sustainability through cross-sectoral dialogue

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends adopting a domestically formulated policy framework that reflects a long-term perspective and cross-sectoral approach as the basis for decisions, taking account of the links between and within the various political, economic, social and environmental issues involved in the development process.

Research Triangle Institute seeks to put policy formulation and analysis tools analysis tools in the hands of leaders and stakeholders. In the field of population control, it tailors computer models to illustrate to leaders the effects of population growth on sectors of their economy including health, education, employment and natural resources, and the benefits of family planning. It also seeks to improve policy dialogue by broadening the range of participants in the dialogue process, working with government officials but also with nongovernment organizations, including private-sector leaders, women's groups and other civic and religious leaders. This builds broad support for population and family planning programs and strengthens the government's planning capabilities for these critical programs.