Turkic States sign eTIR implementation road map to enhance trade and transport efficiency

The latest meeting of the customs authorities of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has resulted in the signing of the Action Plan to implement the e-TIR procedure in the member countries, in accordance with the TIR Convention, which establishes and facilitates the international customs transit system.?With its electronic procedure (eTIR), the UNECE-serviced TIR Convention, serves as a flagship international agreement that streamlines trade and transport operations, reducing waiting times and optimizing the allocation of customs resources, including for combatting fraudulent activities, noted UNECE Deputy Executive Secretary Dmitry Mariyasin , addressing the 10th meeting of the Customs Administrations’ Heads of OTS in Baku, Azerbaijan.?Throughout the years, the TIR Convention has enabled more than 34,000 transport and logistics companies in its 78 Contracting Parties to reduce cross-border transport time by up to 80% and costs by up to 38%.?Read more

Forests

L.A. fires highlight why sustainable forest management matters for climate resilience

The fires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area in Southern California, USA, since early January, are a stark reminder of this escalating threat, following a succession of devastating blazes in North America, Europe and beyond in recent years. Fuelled by a combination of drought, high winds, and a buildup of dry vegetation as climate change impacts intensify, the fires have already caused widespread destruction, claiming lives, destroying thousands of homes, infrastructure, and damaging ecosystems.?As part of a multi-pronged approach, strengthened sustainable forest management efforts will be crucial to limit fire risk and build resilience to future blazes, UNECE forestry experts have highlighted.?Sustainable forest?management practices need to be adapted to address the changing environment. Policies must also be informed by high quality data, for which reporting of forest damage?plays a vital role. Read more

Publication of the Week

Transport

UNECE and Azerbaijan agree on a roadmap to implement eCMR

Following productive technical discussions, UNECE and the R?q?msal ?nki?af v? N?qliyyat Nazirliyi - The Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan have agreed on a roadmap to implement the electronic CMR (eCMR) under the?UN Convention that regulates the international carriage of goods by road (CMR Convention). Since it entered into force in 2011, 38 countries have?acceded?to the?Additional Protocol?to the CMR Convention that allows the use of an electronic consignment note (eCMR),?to make freight truly paperless. The eCMR protocol refers to the consignment note included in the CMR Convention, as well as any demand, declaration, instruction, request, reservation, or other communication relating to the performance of a contract of carriage to which the Convention applies.?Together with relevant national authorities, UNECE will work to finalize the necessary technical specifications and data standards to operationalize the eCMR system in Azerbaijan by the end of 2025. Read more

Transport

UNECE, Eurostat and International Transport Forum analyse electric vehicle infrastructure

In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have shifted from being a futuristic novelty to a mainstream reality on roads worldwide. With the urgency to address climate change and reduce air pollution, governments, industries, and individuals alike have sought to accelerate the adoption of EVs. Yet, despite their rising popularity, the fear of running out of charge before reaching a destination remains a genuine concern for many potential EV owners. Addressing this challenge requires more than just technological advancements in batteries—it demands a robust, accessible, and well-distributed recharging infrastructure. Recognizing this critical need, UNECE, in cooperation with Eurostat and ITF - International Transport Forum , has embarked on a project to collect and analyse EV infrastructure data across countries. Read more

In the Media

MSN - Security Decree, even the UN denounces the risk to civil and political rights: Meloni's letter in the drawer

RTE News - Tyrone goldmine blown out of water by lack of consultation??

Sierra Loaded - Parliament Ratifies Key Water Conventions, Approves Petroleum Regulation Act

Stratégies - La sécurité routière à l’affiche dans le monde avec JCDecaux

Upcoming Events

Joint Meeting of Experts on the Regulations annexed to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways?

27 - 31 January?2025?

Working Party on Customs Questions affecting Transport?

4 - 7 February?2025?

Inland Transport Committee

11 - 14 February?2025??