UNECE technical cooperation is based on the following main principles: it should be demand driven, results oriented, focused on the countries with economies in transition of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, and South-East Europe, and linked to UNECE's normative work.

UNECE technical cooperation services aim at improving the national capacity of these countries to implement global and UNECE legal instruments, norms and standards. They have a strong regional/subregional dimension and promote transboundary solutions to shared problems. Another important goal is to support the UNECE member States with transition/emerging market economies in their capacity-building efforts towards the achievement of internationally agreed development goals.

While implementing its programme of work, the UNECE employs the following main types of technical cooperation services: (i) advisory services aimed at assisting recipient countries on policy-related issues, the implementation of the UNECE legal instruments, regulations and norms, and formulation of specific technical cooperation projects/programmes; (ii) capacity-building workshops, seminars, study tours, and training courses aimed at assisting recipient countries to adopt and implement global and the UNECE legal instruments, regulations and norms; (iii) technical cooperation projects, including those with multisectoral and/or subregional focus, in areas where the UNECE has a mandate and expertise.

In the process of planning and delivery of its technical cooperation services, the UNECE maintains active collaboration with key international organizations and institutions present in the region, both within and outside the UN system, with the aim to increase the effectiveness of its technical assistance and avoid duplication of resources.

UNECE technical cooperation activities are carried out by regular staff of its Divisions, and Regional Advisers, working in close cooperation with the Divisions.

The UNECE Technical Cooperation Unit (TCU), established in 1997 as a Coordinating Unit for Operational Activities, is responsible for coordination of UNECE technical cooperation. In particular, its main functions include reporting on technical cooperation issues and activities to the sessions of the Commission and meetings of the Executive Committee; supporting and coordinating the monitoring and evaluation of UNECE technical assistance activities; providing leadership and secretariat support to the work of the UNECE Working Group on Technical Cooperation. TCU is also responsible for promoting fund-raising in cooperation with the UNECE Divisions and Regional Advisers, and for supporting and coordinating multisectoral/intersectoral technical assistance activities relating to UNECE areas of expertise including those developed within a subregional framework.