How Generations and Gender Shape Demographic Change Conference to discuss policies and new research findings, Geneva, 14-16 May 2008

Children and family are commonly associated with a happy and satisfied life. Recent European data suggest that many more people of reproductive age would like to form families and have children than actually do so, and many parents would like to have more children than they have. What role should public policy play regarding these issues? [Friday, 9 May 2008]

Controversial Danube Canal – Non-compliance with Espoo Convention? Decision expected on 21 May

Environmental threats do not respect national borders. Governments have realized that they must inform and discuss with each other all major projects under consideration that might have an adverse transboundary environmental impact. [Friday, 9 May 2008]

Signing of environmental agreement among countries of South-Eastern Europe due 20 May

The fourth meeting of the Parties to the UNECE Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (sometimes called the Espoo Convention after the Finnish city where it was adopted in 1991) will take place from 19 to 21 May 2008 in Bucharest. [Friday, 9 May 2008]

Spatial planning can help sustainable urban development in countries in transition

How do we make sure we properly address the many socio-economic and environmental challenges facing us? How do we balance the need for industrial and economic growth with the need to protect the environment? How do we develop new housing and transport infrastructures while limiting urban sprawl and its impact on climate? How do we enhance the competitiveness of urban areas while fighting poverty in the outskirts of cities? [Friday, 9 May 2008]

Global standards advance at Mexico City Forum

At its 12th Forum, held in Mexico City, the UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) announced the release of new global standards for efficient and automated information exchange. [Friday, 25 April 2008]

Good land administration is a powerful tool for sustainable development, affirms international conference

More than 50 million people in 15 countries of the UNECE live in informal settlements. Rapid urbanization, poverty and the lack of access to land and ownership in addition to limited or no social housing have led citizens to build their homes illegally under very poor environmental and social conditions. The phenomenon is growing at an exponential rate in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and calls for urgent political, legal and planning solutions. [Tuesday, 15 April 2008]

Important changes in the UNECE on-line macroeconomic database

As of today the UNECE has introduced two important changes in its on-line macroeconomic database: change of the base year for time series from 2000 to 2005, as well as revision of the Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) in line with the recently published 2005 results of the International Comparison Programme (ICP) and the corresponding data series in internationally comparable prices. [Tuesday, 8 April 2008]