General Assembly - UN Documents

A/CONF.216/PC/8
to identify gaps and address challenges faced in implementing sustainable
development goals and targets. 155
99. Subnational and local governments play a critical role in integrating national
sustainable development policies into practical local programmes for urban and
rural planning and management, along with fostering community and civil society
participation in these programmes. 156 Chapter 28 of Agenda 21 emphasized the
important role of local authorities in promoting sustainable development at the local
level. Since 1992, thousands of municipalities throughout the world have formulated
and implemented local Agenda 21 strategies, although they may not always be
identified as such, having evolved and refocused their activities under different
programmes.
100. Participation of major groups in national decision-making processes on
sustainable development has significantly increased since 1992. Participation in
policy development ranked as the most common form of engagement overall,
followed by public hearings, partnerships and inclusion in scientific panels. Most
United Nations system organizations also ranked multi-stakeholder consultations for
international meetings high on the list (see figure VII).
Figure VII
Please indicate which of the following forms of engagement of major groups in decision-making
are commonly used in your country?
Major groups (MG)
United Nations organizations (UN/O)
101. Almost all Member States reported close collaboration with non-governmental
organizations. Developed countries more often reported collaboration with trade
unions, local authorities, business and industry and the scientific and technological
community. Developing countries more often cited collaboration with women,
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155 South Africa.
156 Second Committee, sixty-fifth session of the General Assembly, statement by Israel.
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