Government representatives from 178 countries were present. The Rio Declaration is a statement of 27 principles upon which the nations have agreed to base their actions in dealing with environment and development issues. Agenda 21 is a 40 chapter action blueprint on specific issues relating to sustainable development. Citizen groups from around the globe also met in Rio and produced 46 of their own alternative conventions and agreements. While they are non-binding, these agreements do express the concern that progress on environment and development issues will not be made at the government level alone.
Solutions also reside with the local communities and within citizens' groups.
Since the Earth Summit, the United Nations has set up the U.N. Commission on Sustainable Development to monitor the progress of nation states relative to agreements made in Rio. Many national governments have created their own National Councils for Sustainable Development to coordinate efforts between all sectors of society.