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.
|
Marek Belka
Executive Secretary
United Nations Economic Commission
for Europe |