What is Agenda 21?

Agenda 21 is a United Nations policies report on human settlement, poverty, and the environment. The report includes strategies and policies to address the impacts of a growing population in order to achieve a more sustainable pattern of development. Agenda 21 is a non-legally binding agreement adopted by approximately 178 Governments, including the U.S., at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

Lately, planners from across the nation are hearing concerns from the public about the relationship between Agenda 21 and local planning efforts. The American Planning Association prepared “Agenda 21: Myths and Facts” to help respond to the public’s concerns. Click here to read about the myths and facts of Agenda 21.