Delegates from North America and Europe met in Geneva to mark the 60th meeting of the timber committee of the United Nations/Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE).
Tim Peck, former director of the Agriculture and Timber Division, told delegates the UN/ECE hides its light under a bushel. He explained that most people are aware of the work of the UN but few know what it does in matters other than trying to keep the peace.
During the event, Mr Peck was one of several delegates presented with a scroll in recognition of the work they have done for the committee.
Twenty nine countries and 11 other intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations were represented at the meeting to consider market presentations and to produce a timber market forecast and statement now available at www.unece.org/trade/timber.
The committee’s work includes input from two teams of specialists on markets and marketing and on forest communications, each with projects co-ordinated by the Secretariat.
This year’s Timber Committee’s Forest Products Annual Market Review includes an opening chapter on policy. There are also chapters on wood promotion, Chile’s forest products markets, certified forest products and on China’s emergence as the world’s fastest growing market for tropical timber products.
