What does 21 stand for in 'Agenda 21', a declaration aiming sustainable development adopted during Earth Summit 1992?

The correct answer is 21st century.

Key Points

•  Agenda 21:
  • Agenda 21 of the Rio Summit 1992 is related to Sustainable Development 
  • United Nations Conference on Environment and Development(UNCED), also known as the Rio Summit
  • It was held in  Rio de Janeiro in June 1992
  •  The summit was convened for addressing the urgent problem of environmental protection and socio-economic development at the global level. 
  • The Rio convention endorsed global forest principles and adopted agenda 21 for achieving sustainable development in the 21st century.​

Additional Information

• UNDP:
  • The United Nations Development Programme is an international organization that works to eradicate poverty while protecting the planet.
  • UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion.
  • They help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and build resilience in order to sustain development results.
  • The headquarter of UNDP is in New York City.
• UNFPA:
  • The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a UN organization formerly known as United Nations Fund for Population Activities.
  • Their work involves the improvement of reproductive health including the creation of national strategies and protocols, and providing supplies and services.
• UNODC:
  • The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) has launched a ‘Lockdown Learners' series of online dialogues with students and educators in India.
  • The dialogue is on COVID-19 and its impact on Sustainable Development Goals, peace, and rule of law.
  • The aim is to sensitize students on concerns of vulnerable groups and emerging issues such as cybercrime, misinformation, etc.