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The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations. Its major aim is to promote pan-European economic integration. UNECE includes 56 member States in Europe, North America and Asia. However, all interested United Nations member States may participate in the work of UNECE. Over 70 international professional organisations and other non-governmental organisations take part in UNECE activities.
UNECE contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of the United Nations through the regional implementation of outcomes of global United Nations Conferences and Summits. It gives focus to the United Nations global mandates in the economic field in cooperation with other global players and key stakeholders, notably the business community.
The joint UNECE/FAO Forestry and Timber Section has led the ‘Forest for Fashion’ initiative together with various partners such as the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) since 2014, promoting wood-based fibres as sustainable material alternatives.
Through research and awareness raising activities, the Section recognizes and promotes the value of sustainably produced wood and wood-based products as environmentally friendly materials.
The Section has developed various exhibits on “Forests, Fashion and the SDGs”, showcasing unique designs made from wood-based materials. Together with actress and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh, the Section has also produced a short video on sustainable fashion called ‘Made in Forests’. Watch below!
UNECE with its Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT) has a mandate to work on traceability and transparency of sustainable value chains in the garment sector and is developing policies and standards, through a multi-stakeholder working group.
Such work is supported by a research study and guidelines published in 2016 and 2017, and experts’ recommendations at four conferences and workshops held in 2017 and 2018. The initiative aims to enhance consumers and producers’ understanding of and capacity to manage social, environmental and health risks in the sector.
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