UNECE’s policy guidelines, standards and regulations will support countries in achieving most of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be approved in a few weeks by the United Nations General Assembly. The Goals supported by UNECE cover a wide range of areas including, among others: Sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (Goal 6); Affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (Goal 7); Sustainable economic growth (Goal 8); Resilient infrastructure, industrialization and innovation end (Goal 9); Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (Goal 11); Sustainable consumption and production patterns (Goal 12); Combat climate change and its impacts (Goal 13); and promote the protection and sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems (Goal 15).

The roles of trade, public-private partnerships and innovation, in particular, are well recognized across a number of SDGs. In particular, trade is included as one of the key means of implementation under Goal 17 – revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development - while public-private partnerships and innovation are key aspects of Goal 9 - building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. The contributions of trade, innovation and public-private partnerships in increasing the economic ability of countries to implement sustainable development were at the centre of the discussions of the High-level International Conference on “Unlocking the Economic Potential for Sustainable Development” convened on 2 September by UNECE.

In parallel to the Conference, a photo exhibition in the Palais des Nations showcased practical examples of the use of UNECE standards, and norms and policy recommendations by countries in the region and beyond and how this supports sustainable development.  Examples included, among others, activities in the support of the removal of barriers to trade; public-private financing of infrastructure; effective public-participation in decision-making; economic diversification and reduced environmental impact through innovation or renewable energy investments.