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Gender statistics “must be open, accessible, comparable, free and understandable”. This call to action from Milana Rakanović, head of UN Women Serbia, could have been referring to any area of statistics, so crucial is this message to the entire community of official statisticians in today’…
Creating favourable regulatory frameworks and incentives for renewable energy development, diversifying energy supplies, tackling greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector and ensuring the safety of oil and gas pipelines are just some of the energy-related issues addressed in UNECE…
Green approaches to development can help to ensure economic progress, social equity and the sustainable use of ecosystems and natural resources, so as to meet the needs of present and future generations.One and a half years after committing to green the economy and improving air quality across…
While emissions of key air pollutants have been reduced considerably over the past few decades as a result of integrated air pollution management strategies developed under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention), progress has been uneven across the…
Following up on member States’ pledges to green their economies and to improve air quality across the region at the Eighth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference in Batumi, Georgia, last year, member States this week discussed progress in the implementation of these commitments and their…
Mining and production of useful energy fuels such as uranium usually proceed as if in a factory assembly line. Exploration geologists locate the resources, which are then mined by mining engineers, following which chemical engineers and metallurgists process the mined ore to produce the refined…
WHO estimates there are 35,641 road traffic fatalities in Nigeria every year, over 30 per cent of which are attributed to speed violation. Nigeria is taking action to address this urgent challenge, including through implementing its National Road Safety Strategy aiming at reducing road traffic…
Uniquely identifying locations in trade, transport and regulatory documents is vital to the smooth functioning of international trade. For over thirty years, this has been possible thanks to a five-character reference known as UN/LOCODE, which provides a coded representation for the names of…
International standards shape every aspect of our lives: from the moment we brush our teeth in the morning, to the time we wrap up in a warm – and safe - blanket at night. Standards also make the world more resilient and more sustainable: when houses, offices and plants comply with norms, they…
How can countries best ensure resilient transport infrastructure to drive progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? How can enhancing countries’ statistics on transport support this process? This was the focus of discussions at a recent workshop bringing together…
The need to ensure adequate fire-water retentionWhen being asked for causes of water pollution, most people would probably name an accidental spill of a hazardous substance or a leaking sewage system. However, contaminated fire-water — i.e. water used by firefighters to extinguish a blaze — can…
As the number of international migrants continues to grow, reaching highest levels in decades, it is becoming increasingly important for the public and the policymakers to understand its impact on individuals, societies and economies. How many migrants arrive and leave a country? Who are they…
Coal mining represents one of the main sources of anthropogenic (man-made) methane emissions. Whilst methane is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) there is much that can be done to mitigate its effect on the climate, which will be essential if countries are to attain the ambitious targets of the 2030…
Industry, the largest global energy consumer, is in a unique position to take advantage of the great potential of aligning the benefits of the global digital transition with low-carbon development. Industry 4.0, defined chiefly by the convergence of Information Technology and Operational…
Reducing the risks of industrial accidents and associated environmental emergencies requires action at all levels. This ranges from strengthening international cooperation and assistance, to enhancing national capacities for risk reduction, and – crucially – building skills and awareness on the…
Regional and transboundary cooperation on water resources is an important feature of climate action and is crucial for effective climate change adaptation. These were central messages of the recent International Summit on “Water and Climate: Meeting of the Great Rivers of the World” held in Rome…
Energy efficiency and renewable energy are two of the three pillars of Sustainable Development Goal 7 Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Progress in achieving the targets of SDG7 on energy efficiency and renewable energy is still insufficient in many…
How can improved environmental performance promote economic growth while ensuring environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources, supporting countries’ progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?These are among the key objectives of UNECE…
Improving energy efficiency overall is impossible without concerted measures in the buildings sector. Buildings are responsible for approximately one third of total energy consumption and account for almost 40 per cent of CO2 emissions from combustion in the UNECE region. Achieving related…
Growing water scarcity, climate variability and increasing water needs for economic development have led to a rising global interest in water allocation practices. Especially where rivers, lakes and groundwater bodies cross national borders, the competing demands of countries and sectors for…
Emissions of key air pollutants have been reduced considerably over the past few decades as a result of integrated air pollution management strategies developed under the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention). Notwithstanding, progress has been uneven…
Sustainable development must be underpinned by sustainable energy systems. In Azerbaijan, the government has adopted the increased use of renewable energy sources as a priority area for the country. To support this objective, Azerbaijan is planning for the installation of stations designed…
National Single Windows – which simplify import and export transactions by making it easier to input all regulatory and commercial information at a single electronic point – streamline cross-border data exchange, reducing bureaucracy and making it easier for businesses to engage in international…
Beyond the “resource curse”: the need for strengthened resource management in AfricaThe earliest evidence for mining in the world dates back over 40,000 years ago in Swaziland in Africa. Richly endowed with oil, gas and mineral resources, Africa ranks either first or second in resources of many…
How can countries best harness transport and trade to drive progress in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? How can enhancing countries’ statistics on trade and transport support this process? This was the focus of discussions at a workshop organized last week by UNECE in…