Netherlands
Cooperation Programme and UN/ECE sign Memorandum of Understanding to protect the environment in the East
Geneva, 1 September 2000
"The environmental situation in some
countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Newly Independent States (NIS) remains a
subject of concern both for the people in those countries and for the international
community. This is why the UN/ECE is making a special effort to help these countries to
achieve a sustainable type of development" stresses Danuta Hübner, Executive
Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE).
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Consequently, the United Nations
Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) and the Netherlands Management Cooperation
Programme (NMCP) have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on developing and
running special programmes for sustainable development in Central and Eastern Europe and
the Newly Independent States (NIS). According to the agreement, which was signed on 31
August 2000 by Ms. Danuta Hübner, Executive Secretary of UN/ECE, and Mr. Willem Zuidhof,
NMCP Director, NMCP will send advisers to the recipient countries.
The cooperation
between UN/ECE and NMCP will focus initially on a number of programmes initiated and
coordinated by UN/ECE. They include a project on rational and efficient use of water and
energy resources in Central Asia. Other projects are planned within the framework of the
Stability Pact for South East Europe, such as the comprehensive water environment
protection programme for the Adriatic-Ionian region, and a programme of demonstration
zones for environmental infrastructure projects on water and waste for small
municipalities in South East Europe.
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| From right to
left, Ms. Danuta Hübner, Executive Secretary of UN/ECE, Mr. Kaj Bärlund, Director,
UN/ECE Environment Division, Mr. Willem Zuidhof, NMCP Director |
The UN/ECE, one of the five UN Regional Commission, carries out
technical assistance activities to support transition countries in protecting their
environment, in applying the norms and conventions developed by the UN/ECE, in improving
their statistical data systems, and in strengthening technical expertise in their
administrations. Specific divisions of the UN/ECE secretariat have regional advisers to
organize these activities. In addition, a Coordination Unit for Operational Activities has
been established to respond to the needs of specific groups of countries.
NMCP arose from a joint venture between the largest Netherlands
employers' association VNO-NCW and the Netherlands Government. NMCP has been an
independent foundation since 1997. In its choice of countries, NMCP follows the policy of
the Netherlands Government and the European Union, which largely pay for its missions
through annual grants.
NMCP assigns senior managers and experts on request to countries in
Africa, Asia, Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe. They provide direct advice to
companies and institutions that require specialist knowledge and experience that is in
short supply locally. The senior experts are independent and offer their services free of
charge; they do not receive any financial reward for their services. NMCP has signed or is
negotiating MoUs with several multilateral organizations, including the World Bank and
various specialized agencies of the United Nations such as UNIDO, UNDP, UNCTAD/ITC.
For more information, please contact:
Branko Bosnjakovic
UN/ECE Environment and Human Settlements Division
Palais des Nations, office
CH - 1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Phone: (+41 22) 917 23 96
Fax: (+41 22) 907 01 07
E-mail: [email protected]
In order to provide you with a better service, we would appreciate it if
you would send a copy of your article to: Information Unit, United
Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE), Palais des Nations, Room 356, CH - 1211
Geneva 10, Switzerland,
Tel: +(41 22) 917 44 44, Fax: +(41 22) 917 05 05,E-mail: [email protected]
Thank you. |