Secretary-General, in Film Introduction, Hails Success of Industrial Accidents Convention, but Acknowledges Need to Address New Risks from Extreme Weather

Following is an introductory statement by the Secretary-General to a film highlighting the importance of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents, launched at the eighth Conference of the Parties, held in Geneva 3-5 December:

Honourable colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to launch this film.  It shows the United Nations in action in an area that all too often goes unnoticed — the prevention of industrial accidents.

The threat of industrial accidents exists everywhere, including in countries and sectors with stringent safety standards.  The consequences of such accidents can be severe and are often deadly.  The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s Industrial Accidents Convention actively supports countries in preventing such accidents, and in mitigating their effects if they occur.  It focuses particularly on cross-border cooperation between countries in this regard.  Through the Convention’s Assistance Programme, countries in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia are improving their industrial safety standards.

The Convention has been successful, but more needs to be done.  In particular, climate change increases the probability of extreme weather events, which may pose new risks to industrial safety.

This film highlights the importance of industrial safety and the role that policymakers, industry and the public can play in promoting and implementing it.  I hope you will be inspired to do even more to protect people and the planet, and help to build a safer future for all.  Thank you.