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The revision of the Gothenburg Protocol in 2012 marked a milestone in the development of the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution as it resulted in the first binding agreement to include emission reduction commitments for fine particulate matter. Also for the first time,…
A consumer price index, or CPI, is a statistical indication of how much money people would need to spend to maintain the same level of consumption over time. It compares the prices of goods and services on which a typical household spends money—such as food, transport, clothing, health care and…
No one left behind – this is the fundamental promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and one of its most important commitments at all political levels: international, national and local. To make good on this promise we need data to show us how different groups in society are doing…
UNECE and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) agreed on enhancing their cooperation for the use of international semantic standards for trade data exchange, thus contributing to the establishment of common basis for trade information sharing in the broader European space. At a UNECE-EEC…
Businesses have gone increasingly global. Their value chains are often supported by subcontractors from all over the world. The production process is a giant global jigsaw puzzle with all the pieces slotting together only in the final assembly line. The impact of this globalization of business…
Strong cooperation between the World Bank and UNECE, which services the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and international Lakes (Water Convention), can bring many benefits: the Convention can increase the sustainability of regional and basin cooperation projects…
Despite being a relatively water-rich country for the Middle East, water is an increasingly scarce resource in Lebanon. Transboundary cooperation for the sustainable management of its three transboundary watercourses — the Asi-Orontes, the Nahr al-Kabir and the Hasbani-Wazzani Rivers — as well as…
The 21st century is known as the information age, with connectivity and access to information and services only a few simple clicks away. Technology has been dubbed as the ‘great equalizer’, bringing access and convenience to those in remote areas — but does it truly provide equality for all?…
How can blockchain technology help to capitalize on the opportunities of smart cities for sustainable development?Aiming to harness this potential, start-ups from ten countries congregated in the Palais des Nations this week as part of the 25th Session of the UN/CEFACT Plenary, coinciding with…
How can the digital revolution in technologies help to overcome challenges in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?This was at the heart of debates at the 33rd UN/CEFACT Forum (United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business) held in Geneva on 1-5 April.…
Climate change, the loss of biodiversity and air and water pollution are among the global environmental problems that affect everyone’s health and wellbeing. Tackling such challenges in the context of social and economic development is at the very heart of efforts to attain the Sustainable…
Technology is evolving faster than ever before in human history. We are at the intersection of several cutting-edge technologies that are redefining interactions between the physical and virtual world, driving disruption and enabling new business models. Thought-leaders and practitioners…
The North West Saharan Aquifer System (NWSAS) is one of the most important reserves of water in the North African Region, largely non-renewable in nature and shared by Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia. Economic and social developments of the past decades led to a significant pressure on this resource…
The UNECE region is among the most highly urbanized regions in the world, with over 75% of the population living in cities in Europe, 80% in North America and close to 50% in Central Asia. This share is projected to continue to rise, making the issue of sustainable urban development a critical…
Blockchain, a form of Distributed Ledger Technology, is providing new frontiers of innovation for sustainable development through decentralized authentication processes secured by cryptography. Blockchain technologies have developed rapidly over the last few years and have the potential to…
To harness important synergies between energy efficiency, gas and renewable energy, we need to first address methane emissions and introduce new concepts such as renewable and decarbonized gases and hydrogen.This was the principal conclusion of the sixth session of the UNECE Group of Experts on…
How can we turn intentions into action? At the 2019 Regional Forum, 850 key stakeholders demonstrated their readiness to act for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – not with lip service but concrete solutions. Gathering in Geneva on 21-22 March 2019, change makers from governments of 50…
Access to justice is an essential safeguard for the environment, sustainable development and human health and well-being. Members of the public in a number of countries in the UNECE region are increasingly seeking to access justice, in particular in cases relating to air quality, due to concerns…
Water resources in Latin America and the Caribbean are threatened by rising pressures related to unprecedented population growth and related exponential demand and increasing pollution, as well as the impact of extreme weather events. In the region, around 60% of freshwater resources reside in…
Capitalizing on countries’ renewable energy potential requires bringing together different actors and interests in order to overcome barriers and identify priority actions.Responding to this need, “New Possibilities for Developing Renewable Energy Sustainably in Serbia” was the focus of the 6th…
Nigeria is taking action to improve its road safety situation. Following its accession in October 2018 to the 5 key UN road safety Conventions, the country is stepping up efforts to ensure their swift implementation, with help from UNECE. The recent capacity building workshop organised by Nigeria…
Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Olga Algayerova, Executive Secretary of UNECE and Malgorzata Golińska, Secretary of State of the Polish Ministry of Environment celebrated the International Day of Forests on 21 March 2019 at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, under the theme Learn to…
The United Nations proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of forests of all types. Each year, events scattered around the world celebrate the contribution of trees to our life. Under the motto “Learn to love forests!” the…
Improving energy efficiency in buildings is one of the most cost-effective ways to ensure energy security, improve the quality of life and economic well-being, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The building sector presents a unique opportunity to improve energy efficiency substantially – both…
Over the last few years, Tajikistan has strengthened its efforts to make international trade easier, boost exports and achieve more inclusive growth. UNECE, through its UN Centre for Trade Facilitation and e-Business (UN/CEFACT), has been a steadfast partner in this effort. However, further…