1992

At the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro (also known as the Earth Summit), representatives of governments around the world agreed to the principles of Agenda 21: Programme of Action for Sustainable Development. Chapter 25 of Agenda 21 identifies children and youth as major actors who need to be involved in the protection of the environment and action for more equitable and sustainable societies.

Chapter 28 of Agenda 21 also makes special reference to young people’s role in the environment. It urges local authorities to undertake a consultative process with their populations to achieve consensus on a “Local Agenda 21" for each community, and it encourages local authorities to make special efforts to ensure that women and youth are represented in decision-making, planning and implementation processes.