The Forgotten Region

Teresa Fogelberg discusses the challenges faced by the 12 former Soviet countries as they look to build a cross border, sustainable future.

1 minute read

February 13, 2003, 11:00 AM PST

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"When the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, the independent republics all but disappeared from the international playing field while they struggled to rebuild themselves after years of economic depression and turmoil. It was therefore welcome news when the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN/ECE) announced during its 1998 meeting plans to focus on this region in its upcoming meeting, set for May 2003. In preparation, 12 ex-Soviet states, on their own initiative, agreed to work together to develop a co-operative environmental strategy, which they call the East-West Environmental Partnership for Sustainable Development."

Thanks to Chris Steins

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