1. Regional Integration and Cooperation
26 October I New York
Dialogue of the Executive Secretaries
of the Regional Commissions with the
UN General Assembly Second Committee
Regional Integration and Cooperation
in support of the implementation of
the 2030 Agenda
A focus on transboundary issues
Ms. Olga Algayerova
Executive Secretary

2. Addressing transboundary issues supports implementation of the 2030 Agenda
Transboundary challenges (natural disasters, pollution..)
Transboundary solutions (infrastructure networks, improved connectivity…)
Transboundary goals (water management)
Transboundary dimensions in the 2030 Agenda
Importance of regional cooperation 2

3. UNECE has developed the core normative frameworks for transport systems in the region
Key agreements for the development of coherent international networks:
• Agreement on Main International Traffic Arteries (AGR)
• Agreement on Main International Railway Lines (AGC)
• Agreement on Important International Combined Transport Lines and Related Installations (AGTC)
• Agreement on Main Inland Waterways of International Importance (AGN)
Map of ‘E’ Roads
SDGs 8.1, 8.2, 9.1 and 9.4 3

4. UNECE faciliates border crossings across the region and beyond
The TIR Convention:
74 parties
cuts transport times by up to 80 per cent
reduced costs by up to 39 per cent
Source: IRU 4

5. Shaping transport systems to support the 2030 Agenda
Intermodality contributes to:
More efficient transport systems
Reduced environmental footprint
Need for efficient transport corridors
Low border crossing costs
Coordination
Intelligent transport systems 5

6. Multilateral efforts support air pollution reduction
Air pollution is a major source of environmental risks, premature deaths and economic costs
The Air Convention has:
Reduced emissions of a growing number of harmful substances
Increased life expectancy by 12 months
SDGs 3.4, 3.9 and 12.4 6

7. Prevention is required to address water-related risks
Most disasters are water-related
More of 60 per cent of global freshwater flow is occurring in transboundary basins
Strong case for transboundary cooperation
Normative development
Operational activities
SDGs 6.2 and 11.5 7

8. Water Convention supports transboundary cooperation
World
Source: TWAP, UN DESA
SDG 6.5 8

9. A preventative approach can reduce industrial accidents and their consequences
Prevention
Preparedness
Response
Notification
Assistance
Industrial Accidents Convention
SDGs and 11.5 9

10. Environmental assessments result in sounder decisions
Convention on Environmental Impact Assesment
Project-level
Consideration of alternatives for sounder decisions
Reduction of environmental and health hazard risks
More sustainable and resilient infrastructure
Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assesment
Government plans and programmes in specific sectors
SDGs 9.1, 12.2 and 15.4 10

11. UNECE transboundary work
Normative work
Reducing risk
Exploiting opportunities
Forward-looking and evolving approach
Building TRUST in the region
Policy advisory and capacity-building activities 11