Assisting developing countries to participate effectively in new negotiations on sustainable development

In all activities related to strengthening international law on environment and development, whether those currently underway or those that may be pursued in the future, Agenda 21 recommends that the effective participation of all countries, in particular developing countries, should be ensured through appropriate provision of technical assistance and/or financial assistance.

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 that developing countries should be given "headstart" support not only in their national efforts to implement international agreements or instruments, but also to participate effectively in the negotiation of new or revised agreements or instruments and in the actual international operation of such agreements or instruments. Support should include assistance in building up expertise in international law particularly in relation to sustainable development, and in assuring access to the necessary reference information and scientific/technical expertise.