Urban and rural communities do not live in isolation from one another. The flow of people, goods, services and transport, for example, does not go in one direction only. In fact, there is a repeated and reciprocal circular movement across the urban-rural continuum that connects these areas and generates a synergy that is greater than the sum of the parts, and that contributes to functional, integrated territories and regions.

These Guiding Principles can help shape strategies, policies and plans for sustainable urban and territorial development that include the perspectives and participation of those whose lives are most affected. These principles are made applicable through a companion Framework for Action drawn from concrete policies and practices and which contains practical suggestions that can be adapted to diverse contexts.