25 February 2010: The 72nd annual session of the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Inland Transport Committee, held from 23-25 February 2010, in Geneva, Switzerland, recognized that measures including better infrastructure planning, efficient border-crossing and transit procedures, technologically progressive vehicle construction norms and a greater role for environmentally-friendly modes, such as rail and inland navigation, are necessary steps to improve current and future transportation systems, with less pollution, in the pan-European region.

The session included a roundtable on inland navigation, which has the potential to relieve congested roads and provide better value for money with less pollution. Participants representing industry emphasized the need for strategic investment and regulatory reforms to unlock the potential economic and environmental benefits of inland water transport. The Committee was also informed that the UNECE’s World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations will start developing a new global technical regulation on emissions of pollutants, as well as carbon dioxide emissions.
The session brought together high-level officials from the 56 UNECE member States, the EU, international and European transport organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Other issues addressed include: inland transport security; developing Euro-Asian transport links; road traffic safety; transport of dangerous goods; and operational assistance to countries with economies in transition. [The Press Release] [The Inland Transport Committee webpage]