the Decade, developing countries, as a rule, still lack sufficiently reliable information. In addition, national standards for water quality, accessibility and density of water supply and sanitation services are generally poorly defined and monitored. Countries are urged to review such standards with a view to upgrading minimum services in the 199Os, to establish the necessary procedures in order to have a suitable baseline for service coverage, and to monitor progress in the extension of services. 96. In support of national programmes to attain these objectives, the activities of the external support community, including non-governmental organisations, will need to be strengthened and co-operative programmes made more effective. 97. The United Nations system must continue to act as a catalyst for accelerating water and sanitation programmes at the country level, and as a focal point for promoting global initiativas on public awareness and co-ordinate8 strategies for water supply and sanitation development. Co-ordination and co-operation among the organisatioae of the United Nations system will be strengthened by bringing about closer linkages between drinking water supply and sanitation and water resources development as a whole, and in particular, planning and management issues. 96. Co-ordination of the United NatAons system with other external support agencies at the global level, in terms of developing common approaches and policies, has been strengthened through the establishment of a Framework for Global Co-operation a/ aiming at maintaining the Decade momentum into the 1990s, and accelerating the provision of water supply and sanitation services to all, with special emphasis on the provision of such services to the rural and peri-urban poor. 99. Support to the co-ordination of efforts at the country level will continue to be given through the offices of the resident representatives of the UNDP. In this regard, particular attention needs to be given to the assisting governments, at
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of reliable information, national standards, and monitoring progress in developing countries to ensure access to clean water and sanitation services. It also emphasizes the need for coordination and cooperation among international organizations, governments, and NGOs to achieve this goal. This suggests that the text is focused on a specific sector that is crucial for human development, rather than a broader economic or environmental issue.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Health