During the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean highlighted how UNECE’s legal instruments, standards, and tools play a crucial role in tackling urgent global issues such as climate change, digital and green transformations, low-carbon energy transition, and disruptions in international trade caused by geopolitical tensions.
Participating in discussions hosted by The Economist, Purpose Driven Innovation and Schmidt Futures, University of Geneva, Deutsche Bundesbank, and KfW, Ms. Molcean emphasized that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can only be achieved through collaborative efforts, especially with the upcoming United Nations’ Summit of the Future, which aims to reaffirm global commitments towards a sustainable future for all.
While at Davos, Ms. Molcean met with Deputy Ministers of Economy of Ukraine, Taras Kachka and Oleksii Sobolev, to reaffirm UNECE’s continued support for Ukraine’s recovery in line with the SDGs.
In other meetings, Ms. Molcean discussed the transition to a circular economy and opportunities for SDG implementation through expanded partnerships. UNECE’s entire normative work is focused on supporting the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by promoting circular economy and trade facilitation, driving innovation, reducing carbon emissions, and improving resource efficiency. To achieve this, UNECE relies on long-standing and effective partnerships with the private sector and scientific community.
Thanks to these partnerships, UNECE has developed 950 standards and almost 50 recommendations through its subsidiary intergovernmental body, the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT), to streamline cross-border transactions, enhance supply chain efficiency, and reduce time and costs through digital solutions and simplified customs procedures.
Other notable examples of UNECE’s successful cross-sector partnerships include The Sustainability Pledge, which provides a practical toolkit to promote sustainability in the garment and footwear industry, and the work with regulators, miners, and circular economy stakeholders to establish a transparent framework for sustainable management of natural resources, particularly critical raw materials that are essential for clean energy, mobility transitions, and digital transformation.
Additionally, scientific experts actively participate in all UNECE working groups and task forces under the five environmental conventions hosted by UNECE, which address crucial issues such as air pollution, industrial accidents, and sustainable management of transboundary water resources.
By regularly involving diverse stakeholders in intergovernmental meetings, UNECE ensures that state-of-the-art expertise and the latest scientific insights are incorporated into discussions shaping future activities, including policy-oriented research publications.