The intentions agreed upon by the world community in the Habitat Agenda are relevant for the future work of national and international organisations. Naturally enough, none of us can hope to realise all parts of the Agenda, but by focusing on those commitments relevant to one's own organisation, personalised Agendas can be created.

GEN, which took part in the Istanbul conference and NGO Forum, can be used as an example of what can come out of focusing on relevant aspects of the Agenda. GEN is an evolving network of ecovillage projects, with three regional networks covering the globe geographically. The wide ranging nature of the Habitat Agenda harmonises well with the holistic approach of GEN.

Despite the nickname, "The City Summit" it is emphasised in the Agenda that rural and urban development are interdependent, and the same improvements in living conditions are relevant for all settlements, large to small. The two main commitments, to which the world's governments have set their signatures and to which we NGOs must hold them are:

1. Adequate shelter for all
2. Sustainable human settlements development in an urbanising world

The Global Ecovillage Network has, as the name would suggest, "the development of sustainable settlements" as its main mandate. Specific strategies listed in the Habitat Plan of Action for achieving sustainable human settlements are already part of the programme of GEN. The holistic nature of the ecovillage concept means addressing all of these strategies simultaneously.

They are:

• sustainable land use (such as permaculture, organic farming and agro-forestry)
• creation of productive employment and social integration (particularly of weaker groups)
• environmentally sustainable, healthy and liveable human settlements
• conservation and rehabilitation of historical and cultural heritage
• sustainable energy use
• sustainable transport and communication systems
• development of eco-settlements
• disaster prevention (through reforestation, design for fire and other catastrophes, etc.)

To these could also be added local food production, education and networking at all levels. One example of NGO networking partners are Global Action Plan (GAP) who are working for sustainable actions by consumers, and the Zero Emissions Research Initiative (ZERI) who are promoting no-waste concepts for industry. The Habitat Plan of Action strategies are further emphasised by other commitments and intentions in the text of the Habitat Agenda which are of direct relevance to GEN, and which also emphasise the role of the civil society in achieving the goals of Habitat II.

• "new forms of co-operation, partnership and co-ordination at all levels and investment from all sources".
• "community involvement in city development"
• "partnerships between society and the business world."
• "address unsustainable consumption and production patterns, particularly in industrialised countries."
• "partnerships with cities, towns and villages particularly in developing countries and in countries with economies in transition"
• "minimise rural-to-urban migration. Medium and small sized towns need special focus."
• "Develop and strengthen information networks to facilitate exchange of experience."

One can be cynical about the fine intentions declared at Habitat II, which can seem inadequate and even empty when confronted by the crisis facing humankind at the end of the 20th century. On the other hand one can also take the words of the final documents of the conference, make them one's own, and work for their implementation as best one can.

As Wally N'Dow, Secretary General of the Conference, said: "The Habitat Agenda is intended to be a global call to action at all levels and a guide towards the achievement of sustainable development of the world's cities, towns and villages into the next millennium. The Agenda offers a positive vision of sustainable human settlements."
Let's take it from there.

Hamish Stewart, GEN International Secretariat, Denmark