March 2009: The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) will hold its 63rd session from 30 March-1 April 2009, in Geneva, Switzerland, and is scheduled to address economic development in the region, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

During the opening session, Predrag Nenezic, Minister of Tourism and Environment, Montenegro, Matthias Machnig, German State Secretary for the Environment, and Paolo Monferino, Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Vehicle Corporation, will discuss the challenges that climate change poses for the region, the promotion of a green new deal, and the private sector’s contribution. Panel discussions will then tackle the three main areas of action by UNECE on climate change, namely: energy efficiency, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; water, forestry and timber; and societal changes to address climate change. [UNECE 63rd Session Website] [UNECE Press Release]