Agenda 21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major Groups in every area in which human impacts on the environment. The programme areas that constitute Agenda 21 are described in terms of the basis for action, objectives, activities and means of implementation. Agenda 21 is a dynamic programme. First, the social and economic dimensions; Secondly, the conservation and management of resources for development; Thirdly, strengthening the role of major groups and lastly, the means of implementation.

The need for urgent action by all governments, all health and development workers, and the world community to protect and promote the health of all the people of the world forms the basis for this declaration and is the bedrock against which all further actions have been based, including many of the agenda items of the MDG’s (International Conference on Primary Health Care, Alma-Ata, USSR, 6-12 September 1978).

The Conference through the Declaration called on the international community to increase assistance for developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and those that are most negatively affected by high food prices. It noted, "It is essential to address the fundamental question of how to increase the resilience of present food production systems to challenges posed by climate change."

The declaration that ‘all peoples and all human beings, without distinction as to race, colour, sex, language, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, family or social status, or political or other conviction, shall have the right to live in dignity and freedom and to enjoy the fruits of social progress and should, on their part, contribute to it’ forms the first of 27 Articles that set out a broad set of parameters that cover elements of development that range from ban on nuclear testing [Art.27] to use of resources in outer space [Art.26] (Proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 2542 (XXIV) of 11 December 1969). The broad objectives have been defined as “social progress and development shall aim at the continuous raising of the material and spiritual standards of living of all members of society, with respect for and in compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms”. Changing perspectives on development in general and the formulation of specific agendas under the UN umbrella have overtaken many of the provisions of this declaration.

The Declaration on the Right to Development (adopted by General Assembly resolution 41/128 of 4 December 1986) states that "the right to development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized." The World Conference on Human Rights held [Vienna in 1993] the right to development as a universal and inalienable right and an integral part of fundamental human rights. The right includes: full sovereignty over natural resources; self-determination; popular participation in development; equality of opportunity and the creation of favourable conditions to permit these to happen.

Part of he basket of human rights declarations this focuses specifically on the rights of National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities. It requires that States protect the existence and rights of minorities and ensure appropriate legislative and other measures to achieve these ends.

This declaration (proclaimed by General Assembly resolution 3384 (XXX) of 10 November 1975) addresses two major issues. The realisation ‘that scientific and technological progress has become one of the most important factors in the development of human society, and to provide ever increasing opportunities to better the conditions of life of peoples and nations, in a number of instances can give rise to social problems, as well as threaten the human rights and fundamental freedoms of the individual, and can be used to intensify the arms race, suppress national liberation movements and deprive individuals and peoples of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. It enjoins all States to refrain from any acts involving the use of scientific and technological achievements for the purposes of violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other States, interfering in their internal affairs, waging aggressive wars, suppressing national liberation movements or pursuing a policy of racial discrimination.