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Cluster 1 - Interrelationships between population, development, environment and related matters:

Colombia, on behalf of the G-77, stated that the Secretariat discussion paper had placed too much emphasis on environmental concerns and lacked focus on the problems of development. Canada stressed the links needed between population activities and the Commission on Sustainable Development. It further emphasized greater inter-agency links to environment and development through the Inter-Agency Committee on Sustainable Development. India, supported by Ghana, stated that focus of the Conference should not be lost and that other issues should be negotiated in appropriate fora.

Sweden mentioned the inter-relationships and cross-cutting aspects within this cluster and identified the need for strategies based on the individual and developed from the bottom up. Zimbabwe spoke of the lack of emphasis on employment in the document and France mentioned the lack of reference to the conflict between the rights of the individual and those of the community. The UK asked why the cluster themes in Agenda 21 were not referenced and urged reaffirmation of commitments made at UNCED. The Holy See emphasized the importance of people and human resource development, noting that the elimination of poverty can be brought about through education and not necessarily through the reduction of population growth. Pakistan said that linkages between population and development must be strengthened and supported the example of Agenda 21, where the problems were placed within the context of the larger international economic environment with specific reference to means of implementation in each chapter. The Women's Caucus suggested that the primary focus in Cluster 1 should be to enhance the quality of life. The Caucus also asked that nations recommit to actions in Rio, including achieving 0.7% of GNP for ODA by 2000. The Four Directions Council called for a separate chapter on indigenous people and the Disabled Peoples International noted the absence of any reference to the disabled. [Return to start of article]