English Version - United Nations Development Programme Romania
English Version - United Nations Development Programme Romania
English Version - United Nations Development Programme Romania
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The Resident Representative a.i. of the <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong> <strong>Development</strong> <strong>Programme</strong> for<br />
<strong>Romania</strong><br />
As a result of the unprecedented socio-economic development in the second half of this century,<br />
the world was faced with a vital problem: How can we maintain continuous development without<br />
harming the equilibrium of our planet The analyses and debates initiated at global level in the last two<br />
decades, after the world had become aware of this matter, have gradually shaped the basis of a new<br />
concept, which seems to be the only viable solution to this challenge - "sustainable development".<br />
Defined as "the capacity to satisfy the needs of the present generation without compromising the<br />
chances of future generations to satisfy their own needs", this concept has been developed and adopted, at<br />
global level, at the "Agenda 21" summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 (with more than 140 participating<br />
nations). At the same time, this document is supposed to serve as an implementation guide.<br />
The <strong>United</strong> <strong>Nations</strong> <strong>Development</strong> <strong>Programme</strong> office in <strong>Romania</strong> actively promotes the concept of<br />
sustainable development by focusing its work on reducing socio-economic disparities. With this in mind,<br />
a significant number of programmes aimed at four major problems faced by the country today have been<br />
developed. These problems are reforming the state, establishing social stability, providing the people with<br />
political power, and implementing the sustainable use of natural resources. In line with this policy and<br />
following the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in 1997 the UNDP financed the project<br />
"National Center for Sustainable <strong>Development</strong> ". This project is a joint venture with the <strong>Romania</strong>n<br />
Academy and the Black Sea University Foundation, and its first task was to draw up the "Agenda 21" for<br />
<strong>Romania</strong>.<br />
During its elaboration, which took about two years, the study benefited from technical assistance<br />
and information provided, directly or indirectly, by a large number of governmental, non-governmental<br />
and academic institutions, state-owned or private enterprises and trade unions. A draft version of the<br />
study has been published and distributed for suggestions and comments (500 copies as well as on the<br />
Internet).<br />
Though the project has benefited from high level expertise and consulting, the UNDP is perfectly<br />
aware that the process of implementing the strategy will show a number of aspects that will have to be<br />
rethought, readapted or redimensioned. However, this dynamic process of periodical improvement of the<br />
strategy on the basis of the results obtained is a common practice in all countries that have started a<br />
similar initiative, and it is one of the main methods leading to positive results.<br />
Considering the present paper as the first positive step made by <strong>Romania</strong> towards achieving<br />
"sustainable development", I would like to express my gratitude to all those who have contributed to its<br />
completion. Further challenges lie ahead - the drawing up of the National Action Plan for the "Agenda<br />
21", and the identification of parameters for sustainable development. Once these two additional<br />
components are operational, a coherent set of instruments will be available to <strong>Romania</strong>, and will help to<br />
transform this country's potential into development for all.<br />
Paul van Hanswijck de Jonge, Officer-in-Charge<br />
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