2/12/2005
UN Group For Sustainable Development In Europe Adopts Wide-Scale Reforms

The United Nations Commission that aims to foster sustainable development in Europe adopted sweeping reforms to its governance structure, this week, bringing its priorities in line with current conditions.

The Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) provides a forum for communication among its 55 European countries, brokers international legal instruments addressing trade, transport and the environment, and supplies statistics and environmental analysis for economic issues. "The main reason for this reform is the fact that following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the 2004 enlargement of the European Union, the UNECE has to re-adapt to the new reality in Europe," said François Roux, UNECE's BelgianChairman.

The reforms include a renewed mission statement, governance structure and priorities, as well as a change in the structure of its secretariat. They should ensure better cost-effectiveness and transparency in the future.