The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), held in Cairo made a decisive call to legislators to improve the status of women and the health of children, strengthen families, decrease population growth and reduce consumption of resources.  Further, Agenda 21, the Programme of Action for the United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development (the Rio Conference), clearly outlines the role of legislators in the implementation of Rio’s goals. Agenda 21 asserts that legislators should establish judicial and administrative procedures for legal redress of actions negatively affecting environment and development.

 

Through its Sustainable Development and Population (SDP) Programme, PGA has remained involved in the development of the ICPD Programme and Agenda 21 since their inception, and through its worldwide parliamentary network, has worked to implement these Programmes at the national level.  Through its international network of MPs, PGA galvanizes collaboration among parliamentarians, NGOs and the international community.  PGA mobilizes and supports parliamentary interest and action in advancing national agendas, paying specific attention to legal review, reform and the enactment of progressive laws and policies.  Through its Sustainable Development and Population Programme and its unique JPO model, PGA strengthens and enhances the role of parliamentarians in the national implementation of the ICPD and Agenda 21.