The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was set up in 1947 and is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations. It brings together 56 countries from Europe, Central Asia and North America, and aims to promote pan-European economic integration.

The UNECE provides analysis, policy advice and assistance to governments. 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 UNECE also sets out norms, standards and conventions to facilitate international cooperation within and outside the region.

The organization has work programmes in nine major areas, including statistics.

The statistics work programme includes:

• coordinating statistical activities in the region through the Conference of European Statisticians and the Database of International Statistical Activities;
• developing statistical standards and guidelines;
• providing mechanisms for statistical offices to exchange experiences on a wide range of topics;
• helping countries to develop their national statistical systems;
• maintaining an on-line statistical database in English and Russian.

The UNECE Statistical Division collaborates with national and international statistical experts and publishes recommendations, guidelines and resources on a range of statistical topics.

The latest publications include:

• “Guidelines for Exchanging Data to Improve Emigration Statistics.”
• “Measuring Quality of Employment.”
• “Manual on Victimization Surveys.”

Contact details:

UN Economic Commission for Europe
Information Service
Palais des Nations
CH - 1211 Geneva 10
Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0) 22 917 44 44
Fax: +41 (0) 22 917 05 05
e-mail:info.ece@unece.org

website: www.unece.org