Introduction by the UNECE Executive Secretary

The UNECE – Preparing a better future for the people

The UNECE has a long history of efficient and useful services to member States. During the years of the Cold War, the UNECE played a crucial role as the meeting point between the East and the West. More recently, it has guided many member States in their difficult process of transition from planned to market economies. All through its history, since its creation in 1947, the UNECE has been for many European countries like a lighthouse, which has shown them the way forward.

Currently, the UNECE is placed in the middle of two major political and economic processes: globalization of economy and trade, on the one hand, and increasing pan-European integration, on the other. In addition, a large number of member States are still confronted with political, social, economic and environmental difficulties. In order to adapt the UNECE to the new pan-European institutional environment, member States have decided to reform the organization.

The feedbacks we are getting from member States about the reform (see excerpts) are very positive. Some countries have even stressed that “the whole United Nations could take the UNECE reform as a good example which deserves to be followed.”

This reform is taking place at an important moment in the history of the United Nations. Member States have decided to adapt the Organization to the new challenges of the twenty-first century and in particular to fulfil the Millennium Development Goals. In this context, as a regional economic entity the UNECE is well placed to see its role enhanced for contributing to the well-being of the people of the region.

One of the outcomes of the UNECE reform, beyond the programmatic aspect, is that member States have reaffirmed a sense of ownership of the UNECE. The UNECE is here to serve them, to work for and with them, with a creative and proactive secretariat responding to their needs in a constantly evolving context.

Implementing this reform and ultimately making the UNECE more efficient and useful for its member States is a priority and challenging task for both member States and the secretariat. It has to take into account that the strength of the UNECE goes far beyond its 200 staff members: it also lies in its network of experts and decision-makers and the support and political will of its member States.

Because Europe has a particularly dense institutional framework with a great number of bilateral and multilateral institutions, another priority of the UNECE is to delimit its field of activity. Taking into account our areas of expertise and in view of our limited resources, we need to concentrate on our domains of excellence. We should also, as emphasized in the reform, not hesitate to cooperate with other organizations.

One of the most important policy initiatives in our region is the EU’s neighbourhood policy. We should explore how the UNECE could help strengthen this process, based on our long-term expertise and legal infrastructure.

Another issue where we could also have an impact is energy. Member States have recognised the achievements of the UNECE and its Energy Security Forum by asking us to help prepare the forthcoming G-8 summit, which will take place in 2006 in St Petersburg.

These are only two of the many areas where the UNECE could help to prepare a better future for the people of the region.