With the global population reaching 6 billion by October 1999, and the continued stress on the planet's carrying capacity, from unsustainable consumption patterns, rural-urban migration and rapid urbanization, it is incumbent upon the UN's two principal programmes in these fields to collaborate and reinforce each other's activities. Similarly, balanced patterns of consumption and production, which foster sustainable resource use and prevent environmental degradation are seen as key elements of an integrated approach to achieving societies' population and development goals. The current growth and character of world population, the pressure on the environment and natural resources, whether on water, land, air or energy, demand our joint collaborative experiences and foresight. Building a better future for developed and developing nations alike calls for urgent action and worldwide participation. Our joint efforts will serve as a great outreach possibility for both our organizations to promote the development of new, sustainable policies for the future.
Sustainability is key for population concerns as it is for environmental concerns.
It also responds to the call from Governments for enhanced effectiveness and improved UN system-wide cooperation, building on the comparative advantage of both organizations. UNEP is the principal environmental body within the UN system. It promotes international cooperation and provides policy guidance and coordination in the field of environment, a mission reaffirmed by Agenda 21 and strongly endorsed at UNEP's Governing Council session in February. Its purpose is to build up, on an international basis, the knowledge and the capacity to respond to needs in the fields of population and reproductive health, including family planning and sexual health.