Agenda 21 and the principles contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development
established a comprehensive approach to the achievement of sustainable development. While it is
the primary responsibility of national Governments to achieve the economic, social and
environmental objectives of Agenda 21, it is essential that international cooperation be reactivated
and intensified, recognizing, inter alia, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities
as
stated in principle 7 of the Rio Declaration. This requires the mobilization of stronger political will
and the invigoration of a genuine new global partnership, taking into account the special needs and
priorities of developing countries. That approach remains as relevant and as urgently needed as
ever. It is clear from the assessment above that, although progress has been made in some areas,
a major new effort will be required to achieve the goals established at UNCED, particularly in areas
of cross- sectoral matters where implementation has yet to be achieved.