The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) opened its 63rd session on 30 March 2009 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The Commission is responsible for making strategic decisions on the UNECE Programme of Work and provides a forum for policy dialogue on the economic developments in the region.
The first two days of the session were dedicated to two issues which are at the core of the UNECE activities, economic development in the region and climate change mitigation and adaptation, while the third day centred on reviewing the UNECE reform and the “Environment for Europe” process.
Climate change mitigation and adaptation
During the High-level Segment, panel discussions addressed the three main areas of action by UNECE on climate change:
- Energy efficiency, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
- Water, forestry and timber
- Societal changes to address climate change.
Among the questions asked in the third panel were "How can society at all levels be mobilized to support and implement solutions? How can transparency, accountability and public engagement be guaranteed? What is the role for the UNECE Aarhus Convention?
Mr. Ján Kubiš, the Executive Secretary of UNECE, provided a summary of the proposals made for possible follow-up action by the UNECE Executive Committee.
The Commission welcomed the rich debate on societal change to address climate change and requested the Executive Committee to follow-up as appropriate during the course of its work during the biennium 2010-2011.
