Beck Conspiracy Theory: U.N.'s Agenda 21 Will Result In “Centralized Control Over All Of Human Life”

Special Programs Climate & Energy

Written by Sean Easter

Published

Glenn Beck promoted the conspiracy theory that the United Nations' Agenda 21, a plan for sustainable development, is a means of instituting “centralized control over all of human life on planet Earth” -- a theory also promoted by conspiracist Alex Jones' website. In reality, the director of the U.N.'s Division for Sustainable Development says that Agenda 21 is “not a binding treaty” and instead “set[s] out a common vision.”

Beck Suggests Agenda 21 Will Result In “Centralized Control Over All Of Human Life”

Beck Claims Agenda 21 Uses “Sustainable Development” To Mean “Centralized Control Over All Of Human Life On Planet Earth.” From Glenn Beck:

BECK: Reading through the pages [of Agenda 21], it becomes clear “sustainable development” is just a really nice way of saying “centralized control over all of human life on planet Earth.” [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 6/15/11]

Beck: "[O]n The Surface," Agenda 21 “Seems Like A Harmless Initiative Just To Save The Environment. But It Is Not.” From Glenn Beck:

BECK: Some people now have begun questioning and standing up to what, on the surface, seems like a harmless initiative just to save the environment. But it is not. Be awake. Spread the word. Watch your local community. The answer will be found with the individual. The answers and the solutions will be found in the local communities. But once they put their fangs into our communities, they'll suck all the blood out of it, and we will not be able to survive. Watch out. [Fox News, Glenn Beck, 6/15/11]

Director Of U.N. Division For Sustainable Development: Agenda 21 Outlines Common Vision, Is Not A Binding Treaty

U.N.'s Banuri: “Agenda 21 Is Not A Binding Treaty. It Sets Out A Sort Of Common Vision.” Media Matters spoke with Tariq Banuri, director of the United Nations' Division for Sustainable Development, and asked him if Agenda 21 created any binding authority over member states. In response, Banuri said, “Agenda 21 is not a binding treaty. It sets out a sort of common vision.” Banuri added, “Agenda 21 is trying to say that environmental concerns are common concerns of everyone on this planet.” [Media Matters interview, 6/17/11]

U.N.'s Banuri: “A Founding Pillar Of Sustainable Development Is National Sovereignty Over Natural Resources.” In the same conversation with Media Matters, Banuri said, “The basis of the international system is that all countries pursue whatever is in their national interest.” Banuri added that “A founding pillar of sustainable development is national sovereignty over natural resources.” [Media Matters interview, 6/17/11]

Responsibility For Agenda 21 Implementation Falls To Governments; Participation By NGOs Encouraged

Agenda 21 Notes That “It Reflects A Global Consensus And Political Commitment” And That “Its Successful Implementation Is First And Foremost The Responsibility Of Governments.” From the Preamble of Agenda 21:

1.3. Agenda 21 addresses the pressing problems of today and also aims at preparing the world for the challenges of the next century. It reflects a global consensus and political commitment at the highest level on development and environment cooperation. Its successful implementation is first and foremost the responsibility of Governments. National strategies, plans, policies and processes are crucial in achieving this. International cooperation should support and supplement such national efforts. In this context, the United Nations system has a key role to play. Other international, regional and subregional organizations are also called upon to contribute to this effort. The broadest public participation and the active involvement of the non-governmental organizations and other groups should also be encouraged. [UN.org, Agenda 21, accessed 6/15/11]

Agenda 21 States “It Will Be Carried Out By The Various Actors According To The Different Situations, Capacities And Priorities Of Countries And Regions.” From the Preamble of Agenda 21:

1.6. The programme areas that constitute Agenda 21 are described in terms of the basis for action, objectives, activities and means of implementation. Agenda 21 is a dynamic programme. It will be carried out by the various actors according to the different situations, capacities and priorities of countries and regions in full respect of all the principles contained in the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development. It could evolve over time in the light of changing needs and circumstances. This process marks the beginning of a new global partnership for sustainable development. [UN.org, Agenda 21, accessed 6/15/11]

Same Conspiracy Theory Espoused By Alex Jones' Site

Infowars.com: Agenda 21 “Uses Treaties As A Tool To Implement Its Action Plan For Depopulation And Total Control.” From Infowars:

Agenda 21 Sustainable Development was introduced at the 1992 Earth Summit; it is not a treaty but uses treaties as a tool to implement its action plan for depopulation and total control. Michael Shaw has described Agenda 21 as the head of a monster whose tentacles have infiltrated all levels of government, affecting almost all areas of life, and he says that if you take out the head of the monster (Agenda 21), its tentacles will wither. [Infowars.com, “UN Tricks and Treaties,” 10/19/10]