Specifically, capacity-building encompasses the country's human, scientific, technological, organizational, institutional and resource capabilities. A fundamental goal of capacity-building is to enhance the ability to evaluate and address the crucial questions related to policy choices and modes of implementation among development options, based on an understanding of environmental potentials and limits and of needs as perceived by the people of the country concerned. As a result, the need to strengthen national capacities is shared by all countries.
Source: UNEP 1992, UN

The process by which individuals, groups, organizations, institutions and societies increase their ability to (1) Perform core functions, solve problems, define and achieve objectives and (2) Understand and deal with their development needs in a broad context and in a sustainable manner.
Source: UNDP 1997, UN