In existence for more than 50 years, and with participants coming from all over the world, especially the main motor vehicle producing countries, the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP 29) offers a unique framework for globally harmonized regulations on vehicles. The benefits of such harmonized regulations are tangible in road safety, environmental protection and trade.
WP.29 is a permanent working party in the institutional framework of the United Nations with a specific mandate and rules of procedure. It works as a global forum allowing open discussions on motor vehicle regulations. Any member country of the United Nations and any regional economic integration organization, set up by country members of the United Nations, may participate fully in the activities of the World Forum and may become a contracting party to the Agreements on vehicles administered by the World Forum. Governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) may also participate in a consultative capacity in WP.29 or in its subsidiary working groups.
The World Forum convenes officially three times per year and entrusts informal groups with specific problems that need to be solved urgently or that require special expertise. More than 120 representatives participate at the sessions of the World Forum.
The work of the World Forum is transparent: All agendas, working documents and reports are openly accessible on the Internet website of the World Forum.