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UNECE to launch Advisory Group on Advanced Technologies in ‎Trade and Logistics

The ability to manage technology-driven structural changes is crucial for sustainable development. One important area is how advanced technologies such as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) including Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) will shape the future of trade and logistics.


These innovations hold great potential, but also bring significant challenges. Such technologies will impact current standards, everyday operations and interactions between the physical and virtual world, making them important topics for the governance of global trade.


Sustainable trade and inclusive economic development require international engagement and cooperation among diverse stakeholders. To promote multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge and expertise on cutting-edge technologies, UNECE will hold the first meeting of the Advisory Group on Advanced Technologies on 30 January in the Palais des Nations, Geneva, Switzerland.


The purpose of the Advisory Group is to study, analyze and advise on advanced technologies used in trade and logistics, such as DLT including Blockchain, AI, IoT and others, that hold significant promise in trade facilitation.


The Advisory Group will also study implementation challenges, like interoperability and regulatory obstacles for the use of current and emerging technologies related to trade and logistics, and will address the implications of these technological innovations on the work of UN/CEFACT.


By creating new products and enabling new business modes, advanced technologies have the potential to generate substantial benefits. During this first meeting, experts will discuss use cases in the industry and explore different technologies, such as Blockchain, IoT and AI, including their combinations into more complex systems and networks. Growing understanding of how these advanced technologies may impact trade and logistic is key to maximize gains.


These advanced technologies also pose important policy challenges. The Experts will therefore discuss the results and lessons learned from practical experiences. By exploring the obstacles in the implementation of emerging technologies and how to overcome them, the Advisory Group will contribute to the development of recommendations and standards for international trade.


By mobilizing international expertise in this critical area, the Advisory Group will contribute to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17, which aims to strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.


More information about the Advisory Group meeting can be found on the event webpage:
https://www.unece.org/uncefact/atag-1stsession-2020

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