www.unece.orgUNECE feeden-usMon, 14 Apr 2008 14:55:56 GMTRSS Builder by B!Softhttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08trans_p04e.htmThe World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, at its March 2008 session, adopted two new global technical regulations (gtrs) for safer motor vehicles; one on safety glazing and one on head restraints.{14019457-31bb-a68f-8c45-a9dbc5cea257}Mon, 31 Mar 2008 08:20:30 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08trans_p01e.htmAimed at promoting safe, efficient and sustainable pan-European and Euro-Asian inland transport Ministers of Transport from 20 countries in the Euro-Asian region together with high-level officials from the 56 UNECE member States, the European Commission, international and European transport organizations and NGOs are expected to attend the 70th session of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee, to be held in the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 19-21 February 2008. Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:17:00 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08env_p01e.htmThe Third Regional Implementation Meeting on Sustainable Development will take place at the Palais des Nations, Room XIX in Geneva on 28-29 January 2008, beginning at 3 p.m. About 200 delegates representing Governments, intergovernmental organizations, United Nations agencies, and civil society organizations will gather to discuss progress made in implementing sustainable development goals in the areas of agriculture, land management, desertification and drought. [Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:15:48 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08gen_p01e.htmThis year’s Gunnar Myrdal Lecture will be delivered by H.E. Mr. Sergey V. Lavrov, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The topic will be “The Future of European Cooperation – a view from Moscow”. The lecture will take place on Tuesday, 12 February 2008 at the Palais des Nations (Salle XIX) at 3 p.m. Mr. Lavrov will speak on a wide range of topics concerned with Pan-European cooperation, including military and security issues, aspects related to socio-economic and human rights, Russian relations with European countries and institutions, as well as the role of the United Nations, its institutions and specialized agencies in fostering multilateral cooperation. {5e1ba448-e290-9e3d-d8fa-53b338b3a5da}Wed, 13 Feb 2008 14:54:44 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07ecid_p06e.htmWhat is driving at present the internationalization of business activity in the UNECE region? What are the main obstacles to wider and deeper internationalization of business activity in the UNECE region preventing countries and enterprises benefiting from this internationalization? These issues will be addressed by a panel made up of high-level policymakers and representatives of the business community, which is held under the auspices of the UNECE Committee on Economic Cooperation and Integration (Geneva, 5-7 December 2007). Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:25:14 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07tim_p07e.htmThe ministers responsible for forestry of 38 countries met at the fifth Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests in Europe (MCPFE) from 5 to 7 November 2007 in Warsaw on the theme of Forests for Quality of Life. They adopted a Ministerial Declaration and two Resolutions, containing commitments on promotion of wood as renewable energy carrier and the role of forest in water protection in the context of climate change for implementation at a national level. Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:26:58 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trade_p07e.htmThe increasing presence of counterfeit goods on the market is costing governments and legitimate traders billions of dollars annually in lost revenues. Speaking at this week’s UNECE International Seminar on Product Safety and Counterfeiting, an OECD representative said that the problem of counterfeiting is growing both in scope and magnitude and has a broad range of effects on health, safety and the economy. Tue, 06 Nov 2007 12:00:09 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_p06e.htmThe European Agreement concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Good by Road (ADR) turns fifty years in 2007 and to mark the occasion, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is organizing, on 8 November 2007, a Round Table discussion at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. Transport stakeholders will come together to reflect on the past and present role of the ADR. Drawing on the example of this Agreement, participants will explore the effectiveness of UNECE legal instruments and the increased safety and facilitation of international transport. Tue, 06 Nov 2007 08:43:21 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n16e.htmOn 29 October 2007, an agreement on the functioning of the TIR system was signed by the UNECE Executive Secretary, Mr. Marek Belka, and the IRU Secretary General, Mr. Martin Marmy. This Agreement stipulates the roles and responsibilities of the IRU in the framework of the TIR Convention. Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:54:53 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p12e.htmThis year, member States of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) are taking stock of the implementation of the commitments made in 2002 when they adopted the Regional Implementation Strategy (RIS) for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA), recognizing that the need to adjust to demographic change has become more acute. What is the real situation five years on? Have Governments been able to take the actions necessary to prepare and adapt their societies for demographic change? The UNECE Ministerial Conference on Ageing in León, Spain, from 6 to 8 November 2007, will review progress made, challenges to be met and opportunities to be used. León is expecting about 300 delegates from all over the region, including 25 ministers. The Conference is expected to adopt a ministerial declaration that will identify priorities for future action. Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:11:41 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p13e.htmSaving the planet starts early in the morning by taking a shower instead of a bath, closing the tap when shaving, repairing water leakages, recycling paper, not overheating… All these little gestures that we sometimes forget and which our children remind us to do. Following the latest Environment for Europe ministerial conference, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is more invested than ever in the environmental cause. To this end UNECE publishes a colouring book Daddy you can save the planet! A book for “kids who want to educate their parents”. Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:10:09 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p12e.htmParticipants at the afternoon session of the Sixth Ministerial Conference “Environment for Europe” concurred that since the Fifth Conference in Kiev, progress in environmental protection had been made, and that such efforts should be continued. Wed, 10 Oct 2007 16:18:34 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p11e.htmWed, 10 Oct 2007 16:17:23 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p08e.htmMr. Sasa Dragin, Minister of Environmental Protection of Serbia, launched the second Environmental Performance Review (EPR) of Serbia on 11 October 2007 at the Sixth Ministerial Conference “Environment for Europe” in Belgrade. This second EPR of Serbia is the result of close cooperation between UNECE and the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which coordinated the Review.Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:53:51 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p07e.htmUNECE has just issued the second Environmental Performance Review (EPR) of Montenegro, which has been prepared by a team of international experts with the coordination of the UNECE secretariat.Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:38:43 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p10e.htmEducation and Environment Ministers of the UNECE region met for the first time in the framework of the “Environment for Europe” process and, in a joint statement, reaffirmed their commitment for the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) in the region. They considered achievements, lessons learned and challenges identified in terms of implementation of the UNECE Strategy for ESD since the Kiev Conference and agreed on the way ahead. Thu, 11 Oct 2007 08:37:24 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p08e.htmThe Ministerial Conference opening today in Belgrade is the first Conference within the “Environment for Europe” process to be carbon neutral. Ministers and other high-level representatives will discuss environmental policy, including measures to tackle global warming. But they will not have contributed to climate change by meeting in Belgrade. Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:22:43 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trade_p05e.htmSimplifying trade procedures, cutting red tape and reducing the costs of international trade were central themes at the eleventh biannual Forum of the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT). The Forum was held in Stockholm from 24 to 28 September. Wed, 10 Oct 2007 08:22:42 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trade_p04e.htmOn 26 September 2007, a panel of recognized Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) lawyers and standards specialists addressed a Special Session on Intellectual Property Rights held by the UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) during its 11th Forum in Stockholm. This session looked at the approaches to IPR taken by a range of information technology (IT) related standards organizations, with an emphasis on the approach taken by UN/CEFACT. Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:46:09 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n15e.htmThe UNECE secretariat, in cooperation with the TIR Executive Board, organized a capacity building training seminar on the approval and control of TIR vehicles at the Palais des Nations, on 24 September 2007. About 100 representatives from Customs authorities, ministries of transport and the transport industry attended. Tue, 02 Oct 2007 08:07:14 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p05e.htmEnvironment ministers throughout the UNECE region are gearing up for the Sixth “Environment for Europe” Conference, scheduled to take place at the SAVA Centre in the Serbian capital of Belgrade from 10 to 12 October . In Belgrade, they will take stock of progress made in improving the region’s environment since their previous meeting in Kiev four years ago, and decide on priorities for future cooperation. Fri, 21 Sep 2007 08:30:24 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n14e.htmOn 25 July 2007, Ukraine acceded to the Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and on the Special Equipment to be Used for such Carriage (ATP), bringing the number of Contracting Parties to the Agreement to 43. Fri, 03 Aug 2007 09:23:09 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07tim_p04e.htmThe United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) just released the UNECE/FAO Forest Products Annual Market Review, 2006-2007. It covers forest products market and policy developments in the UNECE member States. Tue, 31 Jul 2007 08:35:05 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07ecid_p05e.htmOn 25-27 July 2007 UNECE is hosting in Geneva an International Conference on “Intellectual Property Rights Protection and Transforming Research and Development Outputs into Intangible Assets in Economies in Transition”, followed by the annual meeting of the UNECE Team of Specialists on Intellectual Property.Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:54:31 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p09e.htmPopulation ageing has become an increasing concern for Governments in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) region. In most countries, the period which has seen the working-age population at a record high, the time of the so-called “demographic bonus”, is gradually coming to an end. This year, UNECE member States will take stock of the implementation of the commitments made in 2002 when they adopted the Regional Implementation Strategy (RIS) for the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA). What is the real situation five years on? Have Governments been able to take the actions necessary to prepare and adapt their societies for demographic change? Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:13:11 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07stat_p02e.htmThe UNECE Statistical Division has developed and recently released a new fast fact guide - UNECE Countries in Figures 2007. Each and every UNECE country in Europe, North America, the Caucasus, and Central Asia has a two-page profile of social and economic indicators.Mon, 09 Jul 2007 07:34:50 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07ecid_p04e.htmNational and international experts from the UNECE region meet in Geneva next week to address the main problems confronting business operators and small companies in the so-called “catching-up economies” of the UNECE region*. In these economies, business operators often find it difficult to set up and operate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Bureaucracies can be inefficient and taxes high, and regulations cumbersome. The financial markets are also underdeveloped, and access to enterprise finance is limited. This international conference will address these and other major obstacles to enterprise development and promotion in these countries. It will also review the country policies aimed at improving SME access to foreign markets. Fri, 15 Jun 2007 07:40:02 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07ecid_p03e.htmThroughout the UNECE region, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become an important ingredient in international economic policy. Yet PPPs require a blend of different skills as well as changes within the public administration. In particular, the lack of knowledge, skills, and training of government officials in PPPs constitutes a main obstacle to their development. This topic was the primary theme for a conference held in Tel Aviv, Israel, which was organized by the Government of Israel and the UNECE Committee on Economic Cooperation and Integration (CECI). The conference attracted over 300 participants representing public and private sectors from around 30 countries in the UNECE region, representatives from the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); and as a result of the conference, a capacity building programme for PPPs was launched. Fri, 15 Jun 2007 07:38:33 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n13e.htmThe UNECE has issued a new publication containing consolidated versions of the Convention on Road Traffic, of 1968, and the European Agreement supplementing it, of 1971, in English, French and Russian. The new publication contains all amendments to these instruments adopted and entered into force to date, including the ban on using handheld mobile phones while driving, the obligation on national legislation to define content and conditions for theoretical and practical driving tests, and the medical requirements for receiving a driving permit. Fri, 08 Jun 2007 08:25:59 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n12e.htmOn 5 June 2007 Albania acceded to the European Agreement on Main International Railway Lines (AGC), bringing the number of Contracting Parties to this Agreement to 28. Thu, 07 Jun 2007 08:24:59 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n11e.htmLuxembourg has ratified the European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN) on 24 May 2007. The ADN was established to ensure a high level of safety for the international carriage of dangerous goods by inland waterways; to contribute to environmental protection by preventing any pollution resulting from accidents or incidents during such carriage; and to facilitate international transport and trade. Wed, 06 Jun 2007 07:17:08 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07tim_p03e.htmThere are still hundreds of serious even fatal accidents in forestry work all over the UNECE region, although specialists in occupational safety and health have a clear idea of how to reduce them, notably through reinforced training and better enforced safety procedures. The Second International Conference on Safety and Health in Forestry, organized by France and Switzerland on 23-25 May 2007 in Annecy, France under the auspices of the Joint FAO/ECE/ILO Experts Network on Implementing Sustainable Forest Management, brought together 70 participants from 4 continents to share experience and map out realistic strategies. Tue, 05 Jun 2007 07:28:23 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n08e.htmOn 8 May 2007 Malta acceded to the European Agreement on the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). The ADR will enter info force for Malta on 8 June 2007. This accession brings the total number of States Contracting Parties to the ADR to 43. Tue, 22 May 2007 07:31:13 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07tim_p02e.htmYou can find the answer to this question by reading the recently published UNECE/FAO discussion paper “Forest and Forest Products Country Profile: Uzbekistan” (ECE/TIM/DP/45). Tue, 15 May 2007 12:29:42 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p09e.htmAt the United Nations Regional Commissions event entitled “The Information Society – From Declaration To Implementation”, being held parallel to the annual session of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the Secretary to the UNECE Aarhus Convention, Mr. Jeremy Wates, will examine the challenges and opportunities that ICT presents to achieving a more environmentally sustainable future. Mon, 21 May 2007 08:28:27 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n09e.htmAfter being based in Budapest for more than 15 years, the Central Office of the Trans-European Railway (TER) Project has moved to Bratislava (Slovakia). Thu, 24 May 2007 08:27:35 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p04e.htmExperience with industrial accidents causing damage on transboundary waters has shown how difficult it is to receive compensation in these situations. Civil claims very rarely succeed. If there is a settlement, it is usually made out of court. The compensation paid by the operator, if any, is usually much less than the amount of the damage, and the actual compensation paid to victims comes to less than 10% of their claims. Clean-up costs are mostly borne by the State or municipality, and only partially by the operator causing the damage, and t he restoration of the environment remains incomplete. Fri, 25 May 2007 12:25:24 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p08e.htmAs a follow up to the WSIS Summits, and parallel to the 2007 Annual Session of the UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development, the Regional Commissions are organizing an event entitled: “The Information Society – From Declaration to Implementation” at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, on 21 May 2007.Mon, 21 May 2007 08:59:37 GMT http://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_n06e.htmOn 20 April 2007, the United Arab Emirates deposited its instrument of accession to the TIR Convention. As a result, the Convention will enter into force for the United Arab Emirates on 20 October 2007. Thu, 26 Apr 2007 07:25:41 GMTThu, 26 Apr 2007 09:23:14 GMT http://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p07e.htmThu, 26 Apr 2007 09:19:28 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p04e.htmThe book offers an account of the UNECE, its evolution over six decades and its significant contributions to European economic cooperation and integration. Tue, 24 Apr 2007 08:00:11 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p06e.htmStatement delivered at the High-level Segement of the Commission, Geneva, 26 April 2007.Thu, 26 Apr 2007 09:15:37 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07sed_p02e.htmThe UNECE Energy Efficiency 21 Project (EE21) is to assist in the development and launching of an Investment Fund to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eastern Europe, Central Asia and South-Eastern EuropeFri, 27 Apr 2007 09:14:31 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07stat_p01e.htmMillions of citizens across Eastern Europe and Central Asia are not benefiting from the marked economic growth in the region, according to a newly published set of UN statistics. Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:12:59 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07sed_p01e.htmOne of the largest funds for financing environmentally sound energy technology in Europe has been successfully raised by SwissRe under a mandate of the UNECE Energy Efficiency 21 Project. The EUR 329 million Fund is to provide capital for clean energy projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Central, Eastern and Western Europe. Tue, 24 Apr 2007 09:10:20 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/execsec/2007/mb070423.htmUNECE Executive Secretary's statement delivered at the Opening Cerremony of the World Youth Assembly for Road Safety (Geneva, 23 April 2007)Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:01:34 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_p05e.htmThe First UN Global Road Safety Week starts today 23 April with a World Youth Assembly in Geneva. “I am very pleased that the First UN Global Road Safety Week follows the model of the four Road Safety Weeks that UNECE has organized since 1990: around a common theme, and with a common logo and a common slogan”, said Mr. Marek Belka, Executive Secretary of the UNECE. Mon, 23 Apr 2007 09:59:53 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p03e.htmThe United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will hold its Sixtieth Anniversary Session from 25 to 27 April 2007 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva. Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:58:06 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p02e.htmThe United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is celebrating its Sixtieth Anniversary in 2007. On that occasion the UNECE is organizing an exhibition on Gunnar Myrdal, the first Executive Secretary of the Commission. Fri, 20 Apr 2007 08:54:39 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_p03e.htmOver 300 young people 18-24 years old representing about 100 countries will gather in Geneva on 23 and 24 April 2007 for a World Youth Assembly on Road Safety. Following a UN General Assembly model, young people will discuss how best the safety of young road users can be achieved. They will also adopt a declaration aimed at raising the awareness of their peers, policy makers, parents, teachers and the media, about the daily tragedy on the roads, of which young people are the victims. Tue, 17 Apr 2007 10:19:06 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trade_p02e.htmAccording to a report, the total cost of processing paper document invoices is around $125 billion for Europe and North America. Electronic invoicing can reduce that cost by 40 per cent. Why then do paper documents still account for over 95 per cent of all invoices in Europe and the United States? Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:06:29 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_p02e.htmYoung delegates from all over the world will gather in Geneva for the first World Youth Assembly on Road Safety on 23-24 April 2007, to discuss road safety issues under the slogan “Road Safety is no Accident.Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:04:57 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trans_p01e.htmThe first set of internationally agreed Recommendations to monitor and reduce the risks involving radioactivity in scrap metal has been published by UNECE in Geneva. Tue, 03 Apr 2007 09:03:34 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07ecid_p01e.htmWhy is innovation the main driver of competitiveness in the knowledge-based economy? How do the results of technological development and innovation diffuse in the modern economy and which are the most effective organizational models? These are some of the issues that will be addressed and discussed at the first meeting of the UNECE Team of Specialists on Innovation and Competitiveness Policies (TOS-ICP) on 8-9 March in Geneva.Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:01:59 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07gen_p01e.htmSecretary-General Ban Ki-moon today announced the reappointment of Marek Belka of Poland as the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Mr. Belka, who assumed his functions in 2006, was originally appointed by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan.Fri, 09 Feb 2007 11:17:57 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07trade_p01e.htmThe dual tasks of protecting intellectual property rights and combating counterfeit goods are among the most pressing issues facing governments in the UNECE Region. Counterfeit goods can be life-threatening – for example, adulterated or contaminated foods, hazardous toys, substandard electrical products and shoddy car or aircraft parts. [...] The upcoming Third Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy will be held 30 to 31 January 2007 at Geneva. This event, hosted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and convened by WIPO with Interpol and the World Customs Organization, will see participation by leading stakeholders at the global, regional and national levels. Thu, 25 Jan 2007 08:38:46 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/current_press_h.htmLast week, Albania joined the Protocol to the CMR Convention, Moldova the UNECE Agreement on global vehicle regulations, and Ukraine the UNECE Agreement on periodical inspections of vehicles.Wed, 24 Jan 2007 08:46:23 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07tim_p01e.htmWood is gaining an increasing attention, in the framework of climate change discussions and energy security, as a carbon neutral energy to replace non-renewable energy sources. This, combined with rising energy prices, is leading to an increase in wood demand. Tue, 23 Jan 2007 09:08:47 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p03e.htmGermany has become the latest country to ratify the Aarhus Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). Germany’s action, which took place on 15 January 2007, will raise the total number of Parties to the Convention to 40.1 Germany follows Sweden, which became a Party to the treaty in 2005, and Greece, Luxembourg and Slovakia, which became Parties in 2006.Thu, 18 Jan 2007 08:31:12 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p02e.htmOn 17 January 2007, the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes are meeting in Geneva for the first time. The meeting is expected to launch ambitious programmes to prevent, control and reduce water-related diseases. Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:29:57 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2007/07env_p01e.htmThe first meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes will be held in Geneva from 17 to 19 January 2007. The meeting is organized by UNECE and the WHO Regional Office for Europe, which are jointly servicing the Protocol. Tue, 09 Jan 2007 15:37:08 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06env_p10e.htmThe meeting of the Parties (the Executive Body) of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution this week heard about the continued success of many Parties in cutting their emissions of air pollutants. The 51 Parties to the Convention span the entire UNECE region from North America to Europe and Central Asia, a large area that has had many air pollution problems. Fri, 15 Dec 2006 08:33:44 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06sed_p04e.htmThe world is currently on an unsustainable energy path, but prompt government intervention could alter this. This is the message delivered to delegates during UNECE’s high-level discussions on global energy security at the annual session of the Committee on Sustainable Energy, 28-30 November.Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:00:16 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_p08e.htmAt its 140th session, the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29) adopted three new global vehicle regulations, one on motorcycle brakes, another on heavy-duty vehicle emissions and a third one on on-board diagnostics, bringing to five the total number of global regulations adopted so far. Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n10e.htmSince 23 November 2006, Swedish national road 45, linking Göteborg to Karesuando in the north of Sweden, has officially become a part of the European road E 45.Tue, 12 Dec 2006 08:00:23 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06env_p09e.htmPollution is an increasingly serious problem for rivers and lakes in the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) region, according to a newly released preliminary assessment of the status of transboundary rivers and lakes in the region. More than 80 per cent of the rivers and 75 per cent of the lakes assessed are polluted, some heavily. Fri, 24 Nov 2006 15:26:24 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_p07e.htmSunday 19 November 2006 will mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The third Sunday of November has been recognized in many European countries for several years as the Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. Fri, 17 Nov 2006 15:25:12 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trade_n01e.htmOver 250 experts from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America attended the 9 th UN/CEFACT Forum in New Delhi, India from 2 to 6 October 2006. UN/CEFACT is the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business and is hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe in Geneva, Switzerland. Tue, 17 Oct 2006 07:26:50 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n09e.htmPeru has become the sixty-fifth Contracting Party to the UN Convention on Road Traffic. The Convention on Road Traffic, which was done in Vienna in 1968, regulates all facets of driving behaviour, such as speed and distance between vehicles, intersections and obligation to give way. Moreover, it details the technical conditions for the admission of vehicles and drivers to international traffic and provides models of domestic and international driving permits. Thu, 12 Oct 2006 05:58:55 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06tim_p05e.htmThe UNECE Timber Committee, together with the FAO European Forestry Commission, held a policy forum on “Public procurement policies for wood and paper products and their impacts on sustainable forest management and timber markets” on 5 October 2006. Different stakeholders from exporters, traders, industry and NGOs presented their viewpoints and discussed the experience of countries with public procurement schemes in place. Tue, 10 Oct 2006 08:00:18 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06tim_n01e.htmThe UNECE Timber Committee analyzed the current forest products market situation in 2006 and forecast markets for 2007 in light of current policy issues. The theme of the annual Timber Committee Market Discussions was “China’s influence on forest products markets in the UNECE region.” Tue, 10 Oct 2006 08:30:58 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_p06e.htmThe Administrative Committee for the TIR Convention, consisting of the 66 Contracting Parties to the Convention, met in Geneva under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The Committee considered a number of important issues for the well functioning of the Convention. In particular, noting the concerns raised by the International Road Transport Union (IRU) about the future of the TIR system, the Committee clearly expressed its commitment to work with the IRU and its member associations in a true Public-Private Partnership to ensure the sustainability of the TIR system. Furthermore, the Committee adopted two alternative solutions for the financing of the TIR Executive Board and the TIR Secretariat, which was one of the main concerns raised by the IRU. Fri, 06 Oct 2006 15:23:29 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06tim_p04e.htmAt the annual policy forum of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and FAO, held today in Geneva, several countries shared their experience of public procurement schemes with foresters, policy-makers and stakeholders from countries around the world in order to encourage sustainable management of forests and discourage illegal producers.Thu, 05 Oct 2006 15:21:00 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n08e.htmKyrgyzstan has become the sixty-fourth Contracting Party to the Convention on Road Traffic. The Convention on Road Traffic, which was done in Vienna in 1968, regulates all facets of driving behaviour, such as speed and distance between vehicles, intersections and obligation to give way. Moreover, it details the technical conditions for the admission of vehicles to international traffic and provides models of domestic and international driving permits. Mon, 02 Oct 2006 07:20:31 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n07e.htmKyrgyzstan has become the fifty-fourth Contracting Party to the Convention on Road Signs and Signals. The Convention on Road Signs and Signals, which was done in Vienna in 1968, prescribes in a uniform manner not only the physical appearance, but also the definition of danger signs, priority signs, regulatory signs, informative signs and traffic lights. Fri, 29 Sep 2006 07:00:54 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n06e.htmOn 18 September 2006, Azerbaijan deposited with the UN Secretary-General an instrument of accession to the UNECE Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR). This brings the total number of States Parties to the CMR to 50. The CMR will enter into force for Azerbaijan on 17 December 2006. Wed, 20 Sep 2006 09:57:23 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06env_p08e.htmUrban areas throughout the UNECE region are under strain. In West European countries, economic changes and unemployment have led to urban segregation and the emergence of deprived neighbourhoods. Residents of such neighbourhoods have limited access to public and private services, and they often feel that their personal security and safety is threatened. (Palais des Nations, Conference Room VII, 19 September 2006, 10:00-18:00)Tue, 19 Sep 2006 06:18:13 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06env_p07e.htmLast year a number of countries experienced protest and unrest by residents of distressed urban districts. Against the background of these events, UNECE will hold a meeting of all ministers responsible for housing, urban planning and land management in Geneva on 19 September 2006 (Palais des Nations, Salle VII, 10:00-18:00).Tue, 12 Sep 2006 07:00:22 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n05e.htmOn 20 July 2006, Albania adhered to the European Agreement concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles engaged in International Road Transport (AETR). This new accession brings the total number of States Parties to the AETR Agreement to 45. Tue, 22 Aug 2006 08:00:55 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n04e.htmOn 2 August, Albania acceded to the European Agreement on Main International Traffic Arteries (AGR), increasing the number of States Contracting Parties to this Agreement to thirty-five. Tue, 15 Aug 2006 07:27:22 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06tim_p03e.htmThe United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) just released the UNECE/FAO Forest Products Annual Market Review, 2005-2006. It covers forest products market and policy developments in the UNECE region of Europe, North America and Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia. Tue, 08 Aug 2006 13:00:19 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06env_p06e.htmWater relations in Central Asia will take a significant step forward on 26 July 2006 when the newly created Chu-Talas Rivers Commission is inaugurated in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.Mon, 24 Jul 2006 10:38:52 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n03e.htmThe TEM and TER Master Plan, reflecting the priority transport infrastructure needs of 21 Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern European countries, has been published. It has identified the backbone road and rail networks in those countries and elaborated a realistic investment strategy to gradually develop these networks.Tue, 18 Jul 2006 07:34:47 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06env_p05e.htmToday, Professor Joost Terwindt, President of the United Nations Inquiry Commission, formally handed over its opinion on the environmental impact of the Bystroe Canal.Mon, 10 Jul 2006 13:18:10 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06env_p04e.htmOn 10 July, in Geneva, a United Nations Inquiry Commission will give its opinion on the environmental impact of a controversial canal to the Ambassadors of Romania and Ukraine and to the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Mr. Marek Belka.Tue, 04 Jul 2006 07:03:42 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06sed_p02e.htmThe Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and UNECE have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further efforts to develop one globally applicable harmonized code for reporting fossil energy reserves and resources. Wed, 28 Jun 2006 11:00:00 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_p05e.htmOn 25 July Lithuania will become a Contracting Party to the 1998 Agreement on Global Vehicle Regulations. This will bring the total number of Contracting Parties to the Agreement to 28. Thu, 15 Jun 2006 08:38:46 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06sed_p01e.htmThe UNECE Steering Committee of the Energy Efficiency 21 Project (EE21) has approved the new Project Plan for 2006-2009 to promote the formation of a market for energy efficiency and foster financing for energy efficiency investments in countries of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA). Press ReleaseFri, 09 Jun 2006 08:44:42 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trade_p02e.htmOn 20 and 21 June, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe hosts an Executive Forum on "Common Regulatory Language for Global Trade". The Forum will examine ways of creating a level playing field for all economic actors and of eliminating technical barriers to trade. It will also address general and specific regulatory-framework issues. Tue, 06 Jun 2006 07:23:13 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2006/06trans_n01e.htmOn 25 May, the Republic of Moldova has acceded to the European Agreement on Main International Traffic Arteries (AGR), increasing the number of States Contracting Parties to this Agreement to thirty-four. Thu, 01 Jun 2006 08:53:24 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08ecid_p01e.htmHow can linkages between industry and science be strengthened to ensure that research leads to successful commercial applications? What are the policy strategies and approaches that can increase the effectiveness of innovation intermediaries and seed-and-breed promotion institutions? These and other issues related to the policy options and instruments that can be used to enhance the innovative capacity of companies in the UNECE region will be debated in the Second Session of the UNECE Team of Specialists on Innovation and Competitiveness Policies. {441994a4-8191-7a57-699e-9202dda9fca}Tue, 12 Feb 2008 14:57:06 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08trans_p02e.htmOn 31 January 2008, Germany ratified the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways (ADN), bringing the number of Contracting Parties to seven. As a result, the ADN will enter into force one month later on 29 February 2008. {7c43bf4e-f68-77ff-7559-3652b7ef1524}Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:58:40 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08sed_p01e.htmRussian Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Sergey Lavrov, endorsed the need for an enhanced dialogue on energy security, at a Press Conference held at the Palais des Nations on 12 February. Mr. Lavrov confirmed his support for the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in facilitating and establishing such a dialogue on key energy issues. He noted that the need for action on enhancing global energy security emerged during the G8 Summit meeting held in St Petersburg in July 2006. {c971f28f-c61-24a2-666b-8c801f18df29}Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:02:25 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08trans_p03e.htmThe recent unprecedented economic growth of Euro-Asian countries is at risk if the current transport situation is not addressed. Geo-political changes and a surge in global trade have brought about extensive development in countries along the Euro-Asian land bridge. The political will and commitment to resolve these issues will be put to the test in the upcoming Meeting of Transport Ministers from Euro-Asian countries on Tuesday 19 February at the Palais des Nations, Geneva.{50e0e9e1-dc36-8f53-b96c-bb634e361a87}Fri, 15 Feb 2008 07:53:01 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08trade_p01e.htmHave we reached the end of partition and transition in the Balkans? Have the Balkans already embarked on the promised road to regional cooperation, integration and full European Union enlargement? What is the role of the United Nations in the new situation in the region? These and other related questions will be addressed during a presentation and discussion on 26 February 2008, at the premises of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sofia. {f1b145a6-8e06-132b-d935-1881a0a2ff41}Thu, 21 Feb 2008 14:13:00 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08ecid_p02e.htmMany transition economies are facing an infrastructure gap between the infrastructure investments required for the future and the capacity of the public sector to meet those requirements from traditional sources. These infrastructures include, inter alia, transport, energy, water, as well as health and education. Bridging this gap will demand innovative approaches. One approach that interests many countries is public-private partnerships (PPPs).{1d3af29c-86d-23da-f48f-e62ec024b83c}Fri, 29 Feb 2008 09:20:03 GMT{c5639ff1-9c0-d16-3eff-a66c897f5df7}Fri, 28 Mar 2008 14:18:47 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08ecid_p03e.htmEntrepreneurship and innovation are recognized as pillars of economic growth and job creation. Innovation can provide responses to environmental and social challenges, transforming them into business opportunities. However, potentially high returns are associated with considerable uncertainties and risks for investors.{c29b4b90-21a1-c611-2d19-a06aaf9e49e3}Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:12:07 GMThttp://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08tim_p01e.htmWood energy, as a renewable source of energy, continues to increase in importance at a time of rising global prices for fossil fuels, continuing concerns over security of energy supply and new commitments to reduce CO2 emissions. At the same time, growing demand for woody raw material by the wood-processing industries has led to an acute need for up-to-date and reliable statistical information on wood sources and uses to ensure that the limits of sustainability are not crossed. {a430230e-9aff-2e5c-9fe1-414155b7228a}Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:13:41 GMThttp://www-dev.unece.org/press/pr2008/08stat_p01e.htmAs of today the UNECE has introduced two important changes in its on-line macroeconomic database: change of the base year for time series from 2000 to 2005, as well as revision of the Purchasing Power Parities (PPPs) in line with the recently published 2005 results of the International Comparison Programme (ICP) and the corresponding data series in internationally comparable prices.{641f573a-8947-dd70-ddac-9427e83d5cc}Tue, 08 Apr 2008 16:27:03 GMTMore than 50 million people in 15 countries of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) live in informal settlements. Rapid urbanization, poverty and the lack of access to land and ownership in addition to limited or no social housing have led citizens to build their homes illegally under very poor environmental and social conditions. The phenomenon is growing at an exponential rate in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and calls for urgent political, legal and planning solutions. http://www.unece.org/press/pr2008/08env_p03e.htm{c68c5-28c8-c14c-6783-f7087bdf5c13}Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:55:44 GMT