2. In 1990, the Mayor of Bogota, Colombia, established a "21st Century Mission (Mision Siglo XXI) to create a sustainable development vision for metropolitan Bogota. Mision Siglo XXI was a multi-sectoral partnership involving municipal departments, central government agencies, major business groups and numerous universities and research institutions. Thirty-two distinct studies were undertaken in areas ranging from population, the Bogota River and citizens' safety. The programme developed distinct agendas for each of 20 districts in the Bogota urban area based on the research and consultation of local working groups. These agendas were directly input into the [1992-1995 Social Priority Development Plan for Metropolitan Bogota].
2. It is essential that the three groups: the private sector governments and the voluntary/NGO sector not only talk about environment and development but also train together, sort out problems and conflicts and work toward a partnership approach. Any session which allows all parties to meet on the same ground tends to be worthwhile. We progress by tackling complex issues together -- with benefits to all.