Agenda 21

Agenda 21 in Global Commerce Policy

In this regard, agenda 21 is: a program of principles and actions relevant to trade and environment adopted on 14 June 1992 by UNCED (United Nations Conference on Environment and Development) in Rio de Janeiro. Program area A seeks to promote sustainable development through trade. The entries on trade policy are here. Its objectives are (a) to promote an open, non-discriminatory and equitable trading system that will enable all countries to improve their economic structures and improve the standards of living of their populations through sustained economic development, (b) to improve access to markets for exports of developing countries, (c) to improve the functioning of commodity markets and achieve sound, compatible and consistent commodity policies at national and international levels with a view to optimizing the contribution of the commodity sector to sustainable development, taking into account environmental considerations, and (d) to promote and support domestic and international policies that make economic growth and environmental protection mutually supportive. This is to be done through a range of activities described in general terms and inspired to some extent by traditional UNCTAD work on commodities. Program area B aims (a) at making trade and environment mutually supportive in favour of sustainable development, (b) to clarify the role of GATT, UNCTAD and other international organizations in dealing with trade and environment-related issues, including, where relevant, conciliation procedure and dispute settlement, and (c) to encourage international productivity and competitiveness and encourage a constructive role on the part of industry in dealing with environment and development issues. These objectives are also supported by practical activities. The entries on trade policy are here. Agenda 21 is mentioned in the terms of reference for the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment as a text relevant for its deliberations. See also commodity policy, Rio Declaration on Environment and Development and World Summit on Sustainable Development.[1]

Agenda 21in the wold Encyclopedia

For an introductory overview on international trade policy, see this entry.

Resources

Notes and References

1. Dictionary of Trade Policy, “Agenda 21” entry (OAS)

See Also