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83rd ITC - Side event: Sustainability of transport and trade connectivity in the Caspian Sea region in the age of pandemics (24 February 2021)

Side event dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of Independence of Turkmenistan and the 2021 International Year of Peace and Trust
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The current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic has brought big changes to our societies and also showed the existing vulnerability. This situation has presented countries, including in the Caspian Sea region, with difficult choices and has hindered progress in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In this situation, it is necessary not only to restore economic dynamism, but also to seize the opportunity to build a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable future.

The global transport and logistics system turned out to be one of the most affected areas as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The negative consequences are based on various factors: the closure of state borders, the imposition of restrictions on the movement of people and goods, the rupture of supply chains, and a decrease in demand and purchasing power. The combination of these factors affected all types of transport - from the use of personal and public transport in cities to the implementation of passenger and freight transport both within and between countries.

This side event is jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN Office at Geneva, the UNECE and the UN-OHRLLS. The event has the following goals:

  • analysis and discussion of the issues of unification and cohesion of the transport logistics industry, which can become one of the most effective areas of further development and growth globally and regionally, including for the Caspian Sea region;
  • continuation and strengthening of political dialogue to ensure full interaction between all modes of transport in order to promote the creation of sustainable multimodal transit corridors;
  • call for more events in the online format in order to exchange experience and find solutions and the best way forward from the current situation.

 

Concept note

Programme

13:15 – 13:25 Opening

Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Atageldi Haljanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan
Opening remarks by H.E. Ms. Olga Algayerova, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, Executive Secretary of the UNECE

13:25 – 14:30 Panel discussion
Moderator: H.E. Mr. Atageldi Haljanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan

Statement by H.E. Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States;
Statement by H.E. Mr. Umberto de Pretto, IRU Secretary General;
Statement by H.E. Mr. Annadurdy Kosayev, Deputy Chairman of «Türkmendeňizderýaýollary» (Turkmen sea and river transport) Agency of Turkmenistan;
Statement by H.E. Mr. Vaqif Sadiqov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Statement by H.E. Dr. Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and Permanent Representative of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan;
Statement by Mr. Yuwei Li, Director of the Sustainable Transport Division, UNECE
Statement by Ms. Maika Oshikawa, Director of the Accessions Division, WTO;
Statement Mr. Dmitry Godunov, UNCTAD ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Central Asia and Eastern Europe.

14:30 – 14:45 Q&A session