ENB:11:29 [Next] . [Previous] . [Contents]

---

IN THE CORRIDORS

Delegates in both Working Groups decided on Wednesday to consider text related to “sustainable development” at the same time. Some observers note that references to “sustainable development” were first used in Rio and stood alone. The Rio package included funding, however. Delegates and observers say positions changed when the funding promises did not materialize. One NGO delegate has suggested that an important factor influencing positions on this issue is anticipation of the 1997 Special Session of the UN General Assembly to review implementation of Agenda 21. In this view, the statements and decisions of Habitat II may set early markers for the future debate.