UN ECE technically supported the work of SECI since its foundation. Invaluable support was provided by former UN ECE Executive Secretary, Mr. Yves Berthelot and Mr. Willis Keenan, who coordinated SECI activities within the UN ECE. Through its network of contacts throughout the region and its conventions, norms, standards and guidelines, the UN ECE had the means to facilitate and simplify cross-border operations and to provide mechanisms for solving problems which was crucial for the initial activities within the region. The UN ECE cooperation is based on rules and procedures governing the United Nations operational activities and included: preparation of a project outline for the Agenda Committee; further elaboration of these outlines for the meetings of the project groups; securing cooperation with other UN bodies and agencies as requested by the Coordinator; provision of advisory services and organization of workshops within available resources, regular consultations with the Coordinator and direct reporting to the Agenda Committee.

The UN ECE remains a guiding partner for the work done by SECI especially within the field of inland waterway transport and transport in general, since it established a broad legal framework of standards and rules that the countries need to fulfil. Therefore, SECI includes within its work considerations related to such standards and recommendations for improvement of transport within its specific area of activity and continues already existing good cooperative relations.