United Nations Conference on the Human Environment
Background
The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (UNCHE) was a major international summit that took place in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 5 to 16, 1972. It was the first conference of its kind to focus on global environmental issues, marking a significant turning point in the development of international environmental politics.
Preparations
Preparations for the conference began in 1968 when the UN General Assembly resolved to organize a conference on the human environment. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established to prepare for the conference. The UNEP worked closely with non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to develop the agenda and to ensure that a wide range of perspectives were represented.
Participants
The conference was attended by representatives from 113 countries, making it one of the largest international gatherings of its time. In addition to government representatives, the conference also included observers from intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as scientists, experts, and other individuals interested in environmental issues.
Proceedings
The conference consisted of plenary sessions, where delegates discussed a range of environmental issues, and working groups, where specific topics were examined in more detail. The main topics of discussion included pollution, natural resources, wildlife conservation, and the relationship between development and the environment.
Outcomes
The conference resulted in the adoption of the Stockholm Declaration and the Action Plan for the Human Environment. The Stockholm Declaration consisted of 26 principles that outlined the rights of people to a healthy and productive environment. The Action Plan included 109 recommendations for action in various areas of environmental management and protection.
One of the most significant outcomes of the conference was the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which was tasked with promoting environmental protection and sustainable development. The UNEP has since become a key player in global environmental governance.
Legacy
The UNCHE is widely regarded as a landmark event in the history of environmental diplomacy. It helped to raise global awareness about environmental issues and to establish the principle of sustainable development in international policy-making. The conference also set a precedent for future international environmental conferences, such as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in 2015.