The proposals described   herein are rooted in the following principles found in Agenda 21.
From the Introduction of Agenda 21:
“Underlying the Earth Summit agreements is the idea that humanity has reached a turning point. We can continue with present policies  which are deepening economic divisions within and between countries - which increase poverty, hunger, sickness and illiteracy and cause the continuing deterioration of the ecosystem on which life on Earth depends.
Or we can change course. We can act to improve the living standards of those who are in need.  We can better manage and protect the ecosystem and bring about more prosperous future for us all.  No nation can achieve this on its own. Together we can - in a global partnership for sustainable development.”

From the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development:
Principle 3
The right to development must be fulfilled so as to equitably meet development and environmental needs of present and future generations.
Principle 6
The special situation and needs of developing countries, particularly the least developed and those most environmentally vulnerable, will be given special priority. International actions in the field of environment and development should also address the interests and needs of all countries.
Principle 20
Women have a vital role in environment management and development.  Their full participation is therefore essential to achieve sustainable development.
Principle 21
The creativity, ideals and courage of the youth of the world should be mobilized to forge a global partnership in order to achieve sustainable development and ensure a better future for all.
Principle 22
Indigenous people and their communities and other local communities have a vital role in environmental management and development because of their knowledge and traditional practices.  States should recognize and duly support their identity, culture and interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of sustainable development.

Specific Observation:
Too often vulnerable, marginalized and under represented Peoples and communities have been viewed  by the international communities solely as “problems”.

There is  little understanding or credence given to the notions expressed in principles 20, 21 and 22 of the Rio Declaration to the effect that these Peoples and Communities can in fact play a major role in achieving the principles ennunciated in Principle 3, Principle 6 and in the introduction of Agenda 21.

The items we put forth should be conducted as an integral part of Local Agenda 21 process:

1.  That these Peoples and Communities directly be involved in all levels of developing strategic plans for Sustainable Economic and Self  Development of their communities appropriate to their needs as to alter or maintain the socio economic status of the community. Peoples and communities should have the right to say no to development.

2. Strategies creating an enabling environment for the private sector and local communities to cooperate and be equitable partners in planning and implementing economic development and self development should be considered.

In many countries the State lacks the resources to support or facilitate the ability of those Peoples and Communities to effectively participate in the sustainable economic and self  determined development of their area.

In addition, Indigenous Peoples and other Communities having been dispossessed of their lands and resources and even where recognized, often find themselves without rights or relegated status  of being wards of the state.

Even where they exist,  country-based development bank mechanisms are faced with great political demand by the elites for the resources they command.  Therefore in that context very  little or no resources are set aside for the participation of vulnerable, marginalized  and under represented Peoples and Communities in the Sustainable Economic and self Development of the Country.

One factor that would encourage the participation of development banks in the effective operation of reallocation, would be the additional infusion of financial resources earmarked for defined programs and projects defined by vulnerable, marginalized and under represented Peoples and Communities.

 We also advocate that the government put in place the fiscal and regulatory framework to facilitate the creation of community based development banks or financial institutions that are inclusive, transparent and democratically run. Traditional credit Systems of rural women need to be recognized and accepted as one component of the financial system of fund distribution (savings and credit). Governments should approve the establishment of rural women farmers with their tradition of wealth creation methodology.

We therefore propose:

A) That the United Nations recognizes that vulnerable, marginalized  and under represented peoples and communities can create and implement strategic plans that generate new  resources and instruments for the eradication of poverty and the achievement of sustainable development. means.

B) The UNDSD should convene a meeting to share experiences and identify good practices and promote community based sustainable economic and self development.

Participants should include multi lateral development banks and funds identified in section 4 of Agenda 21 and, pursuant to the mandate outlined to them in Agenda 21, representatives of vulnerable, marginalized and under represented people and communities and representatives of NGOs, who have conducted pilot projects and/or have expertise in the area.
This should be done by an expert meeting held between May 2000 and January 2001 to enable the outcome of the meeting to feed into the Finance For Development Conference.

C) That the CSD work with the World Bank and the UNDP to establish a community/regionally based investment fund to ensure that moneys are specifically raised and dedicated for the capitalization of sustainable and socially responsible local enterprises, activities and businesses.
This Sustainable Economic Opportunity Program should include and specifically target the development and funding of programs in developing and low income countries and in economically disadvantaged areas.