5 (pm) - 9

Working Party on General Safety Provisions
Focal point: Juan Ramos Garca,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 19 98

The GRSG 84th session of the body subsidiary to the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) will continue consideration of worldwide harmonization on definition of vehicles, its masses and dimensions and on safety glazing for vehicles. GRSG will also consider a range of amendments to ECE Regulations related to vehicle general safety requirements, among others, buses and coaches safety requirements, specially new requirements for the reinforcement of the strength of the superstructure to provide a survival space to passengers in case of roll-over, safety glazing, protection against unauthorized use, prevention of fire risks, etc. GRSG is also considering a new draft Regulation concerning the driver's field of vision. Web site: select GRSG in http://www.unece.org/trans/main/welcwp29.htm

6
(3 pm)

Briefing by Executive Secretary to Missions
Focal point: Susan Bartolo,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 14 69

6
OPEC Headquarters, Vienna

Joint ECE/OPEC Workshop on the Implementation of the United Nations Framework Classification (UNFC) on Petroleum Resources
Focal point: Slav Slavov,
Tel: +41(0) 22 917 24 44

At the request of OPEC Secretariat, a joint ECE/OPEC Workshop will be held, with the objective of considering the implementation of UNFC on oil and natural gas deposits in OPEC member States. Further action in this respect will have to be determined by the Workshop.

6-7

The meeting will study proposals for amendments to Annex II to the AGR relating to safety in tunnels, environmental considerations and the correspondence between the Asian and European road networks.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/trans/main/sc1/sc1agrage.html

6-9

Meeting of the Specialized Section on the Standardization of Meat
Focal point: Tom Heilandt,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 24 50

Web site: http://www.unece.org/trade/agr/meetings/ge.11/a2003_12.htm

7-9
Haarlem,
Netherlands

Task Force on Integrated Assessment Modelling (28th meeting)
Focal point: Henning Wuester,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 63

The Task Force will discuss preparations of the review of the Gothenburg Protocol to the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution to Abate Acidification, Eutrophication and Ground-level Ozone and input to the European Union's Clean Air for Europe Programme. It will focus on modelling of particulate matter and the links between regional air pollution and climate change.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/lrtap/WorkingGroups/wge/im.htm

8-9
Munich, Germany

Programme Task Force, ICP on Effects of Air Pollution on Materials, Including Historic and Cultural Monuments
Focal point: Keith Bull,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 54

The nineteenth meeting of the Task Force will discuss the results of its multi-pollutant exposure programme and the specific results for different materials as analysed by the programme's sub-centres. It will also agree on its work-plan for the Air Pollution Convention for 2003-2004. A new sub-centre in Italy is expected to propose a work-plan for activities on historic and cultural monuments.

8-10
Helsinki

Programme Task Force, ICP Integrated Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Ecosystems
Focal point: Keith Bull,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 54

The eleventh meeting of the Task Force will consider the results of its work in its four priority areas: heavy metals, biological effects, dynamic modelling, and fluxes and trends of nitrogen and sulphur. It will review its ongoing activities and agree its future work-plan for the Air Pollution Convention. Cooperation with other organizations and projects are an important aspect of the programme's work. Web site: http://www.ymparisto.fi/eng/intcoop/projects/icp_im/im.htm

12-14
Munich, Germany

Workshop on release of heavy metals from materials due to corrosion
Focal point: Keith Bull,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 54

While there has been much interest in recent years on the long-range transboundary movement of certain metals, the release of heavy metals through corrosion, often caused by the long-range transboundary movement of other pollutants, has largely been ignored. The workshop will address this topic and assess the importance of metal pollution caused by corrosion.

12-13

Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (CEFACT)
Focal point: Mika Vepslinen,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 31 97

The 9th session of UN/CEFACT will discuss a new recommendation based on specifications for Electronic Business using eXtensible Markup Language (ebXML). The Centre will also discuss intellectual property rights, alternative dispute resolution, a study on the implementation of UN/CEFACT recommendations as well as increased support arrangements for further work.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/cefact/

13 & 16

COMMITTEE FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT
Focal point: Virginia Cram-Martos,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 27 45

Room VII.
Highlights of the Committee session will include:

• A review of major developments and of decisions required by subsidiary bodies, including a request for an extraordinary session of UN/CEFACT in the autumn.
• A joint session with UN/CEFACT on the afternoon of 13 May.
• On the morning of Friday, 16 May, a Policy Segment on National Policies for Trade Facilitation Implementation in UNECE Member States. Presentations will be made on current approaches to trade facilitation implementation and will cover examples of successes and obstacles experienced, approaches to overcoming these obstacles, and considerations for future plans and priorities in this area. Presenters will include the World Bank Regional Trade Facilitation Coordinator for Southeast Europe, the UNECE Regional Advisor for Trade Facilitation and National Representatives.
• Followed, on Friday, by a discussion of the Chairman's conclusions from the International Forum on Trade Facilitation of 14-15 May and possible follow-up activities to be undertaken at the regional level.

The agenda and documentation for the Committee's session can be found at its Internet site: http://www.unece.org/trade/
E-mail inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

14-15

International Forum on Trade Facilitation
Focal point: Mario Apostolov,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 11 34

Room XX.
Second Forum on Trade Facilitation organized by UNECE in collaboration with the major international organizations dealing with trade facilitation. The Forum will focus on the fair sharing of the benefits of trade facilitation between developed and developing countries, and on the impact of heightened security measures on international trade.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/trade/

15

(2-5 pm)

Workshop on Technical Issues on Trade Facilitation
Focal point: Mario Apostolov,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 11 34

Room VII.

15-16
Prague

Recommendations for the improvement of urban and regional transport statistics.
Web sites: http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp6/transstatac3agenda.html
http://www.unece.org/trans/main/wp6/transstatac3wdoc.html

17, 19
Kiev

Seventh Session of the Working Group of Senior Officials "Environment for Europe"
Focal point: Mary Pat Silveira,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 13 15

The Working Group of Senior Officials will continue its negotiations of the draft ministerial declaration for the Fifth Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe".
Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/efe/welcome.html

19-20
Ispra,
Italy

Workshop on Remote Sensing for Environmental Assessments
Focal point: Mikhail Kokine,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 47

To identify and map a key set of indicators, derived from policy needs and availability of remote sensing data, for environmental assessments in selected Eurasian regions and marine basins.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/efe/welcome.html

19-23

Working Party on the Transport of Dangerous Goods
Focal point: Olivier Kervella,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 24 56

The Working Party (WP.15) will discuss the status of the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) and questions relating to its implementation and interpretation. It will also discuss proposals of amendments to the annexes of ADR, in particular as regards driver training, construction and approval or vehicles, tunnel safety, and security of the transport of dangerous goods.

19-23
Tartu, Estonia

Programme Task Force, ICP on Modelling and Mapping of Critical Levels and Loads and Air Pollution Effects, Risks and Trends, and Coordination Centre for Effects workshop

Focal point: Keith Bull,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 54

The thirteenth CCE workshop will focus upon dynamic modelling of the effects of sulphur and nitrogen deposition; its aim is to provide hands-on experience for modellers unfamiliar with the available software. The nineteenth meeting of the Task Force will be agreeing on the methods to be included in its manual for determining critical levels for ozone, critical loads for nutrient nitrogen, and dynamic modelling at a Europe-wide scale. The Task Force will prepare its work-plan for the Air Pollution Convention taking into account the timetable and deadlines agreed by the Executive Body for the Convention as well as taking into consideration the requirements of the European Commission's Clean Air for Europe (CAFE) programme.
Web sites: http://arch.rivm.nl/cce/ and http://www.oekodata.com/icpmapping/index.html

20(pm)-23

Working Party on Pollution and Energy
Focal point: Romain Hubert,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 24 02

During its 46th session, GRPE will resume consideration of a range of items proposed to improve regulatory provisions concerning the emissions of wheeled vehicle engines, particularly regarding the development of world-wide harmonized test cycles. The status of the development of hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-fuelled vehicles and environmentally friendly vehicles will also be considered. Web site: select GRPE in http://www.unece.org/trans/main/welcwp29.htm

20 (am)
Kiev

Meeting of representatives of Parties to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters and prospective Signatories to the Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers
Focal point: Jeremy Wates,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 84

The meeting is held with the purpose of negotiating the text of a resolution of Signatories to the PRTR Protocol, expected to be adopted by the extraordinary Meeting of the Parties to the Aarhus Convention, scheduled for the following day.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/pp/e-mop.htm

21-23
Kiev

Fifth Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe"
Focal point: Mary Pat Silveira,
Tel: +41(0)22 917 13 15

The Ministerial Conference will consider a range of issues of significance to the UNECE region, including, inter alia, the adoption of three Protocols to UNECE Conventions; a ten-year review of UNECE's Environmental Performance Review Programme; Guidelines on strengthening enforcement of and compliance with MEAs in the UNECE region; an environment strategy for EECCA countries; water, environment and security in Central Asia; Guidelines on reforming energy pricing and subsidies; a strategy for education and sustainable development; and the future of the EfE process. It is also expected to adopt a Ministerial Declaration.
See Provisional Agenda, document ECE/CEP/92 (Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/wgso/kyiv_doc.cat.1.htm).

21 (pm)
Kiev

Meeting of Parties to the Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context - Extraordinary Meeting
Focal point: Wiek Schrage,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 24 48

The extraordinary Meeting is expected to adopt the Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment to the Convention and the Resolution. The adoption will be followed by a signing ceremony.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/eia/

21 (pm)
Kiev

Conference of Parties to the Convention on Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents and Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes - Extraordinary Meeting
Focal point: Rainer Enderlein,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 73

Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/water/

21 (pm)
Kiev

Meeting of Parties to the Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters - Extraordinary Meeting
Focal point: Jeremy Wates,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 84

The extraordinary Meeting of the Parties is convened on the occasion of the Fifth Ministerial Conference "Environment for Europe" with a view to adopt and sign the Protocol on Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers. The Meeting is also expected to adopt a resolution of Signatories to the Protocol setting out the mandate for further work pending the entry into force of the Protocol.
Web sites: http://www.unece.org/env/pp/e-mop.htm and
http://www.kyiv-2003.info/main/index.php

21-23
Ohrid,
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

ECE/Eurostat Work Session on Population and Housing Censuses
Focal point: Paolo Valente,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 33 06

Purpose of the meeting is to help countries exchange experiences on the methods and techniques used for the collection, processing and dissemination of data related to population and housing censuses, with respect to the 2000 round of censuses. The work session will also provide an opportunity to start planning the next round of population and housing censuses and, in particular, to discuss the process to be used in producing an updated set of "Recommendations for the 2010 Round of Population and Housing Censuses". Web site:
http://www.unece.org/stats/documents/2003.05.census.htm

22-23
Bonn, Germany

Joint Task Force on the Health Aspects of Air Pollution
Focal point: Keith Bull,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 54

The sixth meeting of the Joint Task Force (with WHO/ECEH) will review its past activities, including the finalization of the report on persistent organic pollutants. It will consider the modelling and assessment of health impacts of particulate matter and ozone from long-range transboundary air pollution, and decide on a future work-plan for the Air Pollution Convention. Web site: http://www.euro.who.int/eprise/main/WHO/Progs/AIQ/Activities/20020419_1

24-28
Zagreb

Programme Task Force, ICP on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests
Focal point: Keith Bull,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 23 54

The nineteenth meeting of the Task Force will discuss the results of its level I and level II monitoring programmes, as well as its activities concerning biodiversity, dynamic modelling, critical levels for ozone, and carbon sequestration. The Task Force will discuss its links to the EU Forest Focus programme and its links to other organizations and regions, including East Asia. It is expected to agree its future work-plan for the air Pollution Convention. Web site: http://www.icp-forests.org/

26-28

Steering Committee of the Energy Efficiency 21 Project
Focal point: Frederic Romig,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 24 07

Web site: http://www.ee-21.net/

26-28

Ad Hoc Working Group on the Harmonization of RID/ADR/ADN with the UN Recommendations
Focal point: Rosa Garcia Couto,
Tel: +41 (0) 22 917 24 35

Meeting of transport of dangerous goods experts, with limited participation.
Objective: To prepare proposals for harmonization of ECE legal instruments concerning the transport of dangerous goods (RID/ADR/ADN) with new recommendations adopted in December 2002 by the ECOSOC Committee of experts.

26-28
Almaty

Assistance to Kazakhstan in air pollution inventories, establishment of monitoring stations and the application of measurement techniques and emission modelling.
Web site: http://www.unece.org/env/europe/wg.htm

27-28

Web site : http://www.unece.org/trade/welcome.htm
(then "START Team" and "Industry Telecom Initiative")