ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 of this book sets out critical issues as seen by local authorities themselves that need to be addressed if they are to be able to meet their potential role in the pursuit of sustainable development. They include issues relating to the governance of urban areas - both the formal government structure and the ways in which local governments act - the capacities local authorities need to have to perform their functions, and the specific kinds of action they can take in support of sustainable development. Chapter 3 describes case studies that illustrate the issues brought out in Chapter 2, and demonstrates a range of actions that local authorities have undertaken, acting singly or in collaboration, to further urban sustainability. Chapter 4 discusses the emerging system of worldwide cooperation for urban sustainability, the roles within it of international and national agencies, the roles and experiences of municipal associations, and describes, analyses, and illustrates the various forms of decentralized cooperation. Chapter 5contains a set of specific policy recommendations directed to international, regional, and local authorities as to how priority issues can be beller addressed and how decentralized cooperation can be made more effective. Part II of the book sets out in detail the 18 case studies referred to in Chapter 3.
