United Nations Economic Commission for Europe UNECE
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is one of five regional commissions of the United Nations. It was set up in 1947 by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
UNECE's 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 also sets norms, standards and conventions to facilitate international cooperation within and outside the region.
The UNECE Committee on Housing and Land Management has been working on building standards since its establishment in 1947. In 2018, UNECE joined the International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition to improve fire safety in buildings through industry standards. The coalition is formed by a group of construction and real estate professional and not-for-profit organisations and was established in response to the Grenfell Tower fire.
In November 2020, the International Fire Safety Standard - Common Principles (IFSS-CP) was introduced. It will be published as a UNECE standard and will be implemented locally, incorporated by professional institutions into their own standards and guidance and supported or adopted by national governments.
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