Assessing costs and financing to protect vulnerable groups

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.

For example, Agenda 21 estimates the incremental cost, above basic health needs, for activities to address the special needs of vulnerable groups at US$ 3,7000 million per year, to cover child health programmes, youth programmes and women's health programmes. About US$ 400 million would be needed from international sources, including US$ 5 million annually to strengthen international institutions.