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Indicators of Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies, 2nd Edition
UNDESA, 2001
The present publication represents the outcome of a work programme on indicators of sustainable development approved by the Commission on Sustainable Development at its Third Session in 1995. The successful completion of the work programme is the result of an intensive effort of collaboration between governments, international organizations, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations and individual experts aimed at developing a set of indicators for sustainable development for use at the national level.

This has been an iterative process built on the work of many other organizations and entities that have been concerned with developing a set of indicators that could help us better understand the various dimensions of sustainable development and the complex interactions that takes place between these dimensions.

The purpose of this publication is to stimulate and support further work, testing and development of indicators, particularly by national governments. No set of indicators can be final and definitive, but must be developed and adjusted over time to fit country-specific conditions, priorities and capabilities.

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United Nations