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The article presents several papers regarding the United Nations' efforts to environmental policy and its developments. It includes the universal realization of the human rights to food and to water and the need to have equitable access to the natural resources of land, water and seeds as well as to credit. Another is an overview and summaries of resolution adopted during the 63rd session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, particularly those of environment or legal import. Also, is the examination of the report of the UN Secretary-General on the development of the implementation of Agenda 21.

The article discusses United Nations programs for sustainable development. The author traces the origins from the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972 and the establishment of the U.N. Environmental Program (UNEP). He reviews various Multilateral Agreements on the Environment including the Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Montreal Protocol. He discusses financing mechanisms such as the Environment Fund and the Global Environment Facility. He concludes that the French proposal to transform UNEP into a World Environmental Organization would be modeled on the World Health Organization.

This article focuses on a comprehensive review of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPOA) for the Sustainable Development of SIDS or small island developing states, which was called for in the 57th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. The BPOA sets forth specific actions and measures at the national, regional, and international levels in support of the sustainable development of SIDS. BPOA is a 14-point program that identifies priority areas and specific actions necessary for addressing the special challenges faced by SIDS. Some of the priority areas are: climate change and sea-level rise, natural and environmental disasters, and management of wastes.