G/TBT/GEN/234  
 
20 September 2017  
(17-4976) Page: 1/2 
Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade  Original: English  
 
 
 ACTIVITIES OF THE UNITED NATIONS E CONOMIC COMMISSION F OR EUROPE (UNECE) 
RELATED TO THE WORK OF THE WTO TBT COMMI TTEE  
STATEMENT BY UNECE   
This document contains the statement delivered by  UNECE  at the TBT Committee meeting of  
14-15 June 2017 under Agenda Item 5 (Updating by Observers)  
 
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1.  UNECE would like to recall that the organization hosts several standards setting bodies – 
including the World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29)  and UN/CEFACT 
among others.  Additionally, a unique body, the Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and 
Standardization Policies – or Working Party 6 - develops and shares best practice in the area of 
technical regulations, standardization policies, and policies related to quality infrastructure as well 
as conformity assessment and market surveillance. It encourages and supports regulatory 
cooperation among members in specific sectors, such as the equipment used in installations with a 
high risk of explosion.  
2.  To follow up to the th ematic session on risk assessment on 13 June, I would like to inform you 
about the latest activities of the Group of Experts on Risk Management in Regulatory Systems 
(UNECE GRM)  under auspices of WP.6.  
3.  Last February the group had a three -day face -to-face meeting to discuss approaches for 
managing risks in regulatory systems that would support member countries in moving forward on 
the SDG 's of the United Nations while building upon the ongoing work of GRM.  The report of the 
meeting is available on the UNECE  website   
4.  I would also like to inform you that the Working Party has started a new initiative on "Gender -
informed standards and technical regulations " that can also be of interest to members. The goals 
of this initiative are t o challenge the perception that standards and technical regulations are 
"gender neutral " and t o enhance the contribution of standards in reaching SDG Goal 5 on 
"Empowering Women and Girls ". 
5.  Following its first meeting on 4 April the initiative has had three follow -up meetings. Further 
information is available on our website .  
6.  On 8 June UNECE organised a brainstorming session in Brussels  discuss ing practical approaches  
for encouraging companies in the textile and clothing industry to adopt sustainable business 
practices, in support of UN SDG 12.  This event took place as part of European Development Days 
(EDD) that brings the development community together each year to s hare ideas and experiences 
in ways that inspire new partnerships and innovative solutions to the world 's most pressing 
challenges.   
7.  On the event's website  there is more information on the s peakers and content of the three 
round tables that took place.  
8.  The next session of the Working Party  6 will take place from 28 to 30 November, and all 
members, including countries that are not UNECE members, are invited and welcome to attend.  G/TBT/GEN/234  
 
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  9.  The session will host three workshops on sustainable development issues: gender aspects in 
standards development, risk management for UN SDGs and on a standards based platform to 
detox the apparel industry. These workshops will take stock of the developments in these areas 
during this year and plan for further activities.  
 
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