Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Nowadays transport industries of all countries in the world face an unprecedented challenge – the necessity to meet the needs of the economy and society in transport services, as well as to ensure the safety of passengers and transport workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Transport must continue to function, because it provides the necessary economic links as well as the need for movement under restrictions. On 29 May the Heads of Governments of the Commonwealth of Independent States adopted a Statement on the spread of a new coronavirus infection. The document outlines the adoption of joint effective measures to eliminate the threat of COVID-19, as well as the exchange of countries’ experience in implementing preventive measures against pandemics.

Honourable Chairman, Excellences, Participants of the Regional Forum on Sustainable Development for the UNECE Region, In July 2020 Russia is scheduled to present its first Voluntary National Review on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals on the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. I would like to use this opportunity to share with you today an overview of how the Russian Federation approached its first VNR and some key lessons learnt.