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 promoting close collaboration between governmental and local authorities, local communities and non-governmental organizations and private business. It also recommends that governments, where appropriate in cooperation with international organizations, should strengthen national institutional capability and capacity to integrate social, economic, developmental and environmental issues at all levels of development decision-making and implementation. At the global, region and sub-regional levels, Agenda 21 also stresses the need for cooperation between regional and subregional organizations (such as regional commissions, development banks and economic cooperation organizations) and organizations of the UN system. Attention should be given to moving away from narrow sectoral approaches, progressing towards full cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation.