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The current global migration and refugee situation has put migration issues high on the political agenda of many countries and the international community as a whole. Recognizing the need to act together, United Nations Member States adopted the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants in…
Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by about two per cent throughout the UNECE region in the first three quarters of 2017.In the United States (US), GDP increased by 2.2 per cent compared to the same period in the previous year. In 2016, GDP grew by 1.5 per cent from 2015.In the European Union, in…
Water scarcity and droughts are occurring more and more frequently and with increased magnitude, even in previously water-rich countries. Major causes include population growth and increasing water extraction, with climate change further exacerbating the situation. OECD and the Global Water…
UNECE supports countries’ sustainable transport transition through Environmental Performance Reviews
Transport can be a powerful driver of sustainable development, but this requires balancing its economic and social value with environmental and health considerations. In order to help meet this challenge, UNECE’s Environmental Performance Reviews (EPRs) assist countries in taking an integrated…
Source: UNECE Statistical database www.unece.org/stats/dataOver the last year, most UNECE member States have experienced higher consumer price inflation, as measured by the 12-month rate of change of the consumer price index (CPI).In September 2017, the consumer price inflation in many European…
Responding to the findings of the 2016 Scientific Assessment Report ‘Towards Cleaner Air’, Parties to the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention) this week discussed strategic priorities for the future of the Convention.Informed by the scientific findings of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
For over 60 years national experts on population and housing censuses have participated in meetings and other activities of UNECE to discuss census methodology and prepare recommendations. In 2015 the Conference of European Statisticians adopted the recommendations for the 2020 census…
UNECE is highlighting the importance of improving industrial safety on International Day for Disaster Reduction (13 October) – a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly to draw attention to the urgent need to reduce humanitarian, social, economic and environmental risks of natural…
Over the last 30 years, income inequality has been rising in most UNECE countries. In many countries, the widening gap between the rich and the poor has stimulated increasing public debate on inequalities, particularly since the beginning of the global economic downturn. This has led to growing…
Statistics play a crucial role in dealing with disasters, from preparation to recovery and reporting. The need for timely and accurate data is especially significant in light of the increasing frequency and severity of climate change-related extreme weather events. However, the data needed for…
Hydrology and environment specialists from Afghanistan and Tajikistan are conducting a hands-on study this week to identify and discuss issues related to the efficient use of water resources, land use, irrigation practices and biodiversity in the upper Amudarya basin. Particular attention will…
Green economy fosters economic progress while ensuring environmental sustainability and social equity. The OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, which concluded on 8 September, also recognized the value of green economy as part of the OSCE approach to security and cooperation in Europe.In her…
Long before negotiations on the UNECE Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution started in the late seventies, countries in Europe established scientific cooperation across borders to tackle the problem of air pollution, acid rain, and die-back of forests. In particular, it was the…