PREvention and RESilience
World Sustainable Transport Day
Date: November 26
What is Sustainable Transport?
Sustainable transport is the provision of services and infrastructure for the mobility of people and goods that:
- Advances economic and social development for current and future generations.
- Is safe, affordable, accessible, efficient, and resilient.
- Minimizes environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants.
Defined by the UN Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Group in 2016, sustainable transport is a means to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), not an end in itself.
Why Sustainable Transport Matters
Transport systems connect people, promote trade, and foster economic growth, but they are also responsible for:
- Approximately 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with 91% of transport energy coming from non-renewable sources.
The challenge lies in transforming these systems to become more environmentally friendly while maintaining their role as drivers of economic growth, poverty reduction, and social inclusion.
Key Objectives of Sustainable Transport
- Universal access: Ensure equitable transport systems for all, including underserved populations.
- Enhanced safety: Reduce fatalities and injuries from transport-related incidents.
- Reduced climate and environmental impact: Transition to low-carbon energy and minimize emissions.
- Resilience: Build systems that adapt to climate challenges and other disruptions.
- Efficiency: Optimize transport infrastructure and services to reduce costs and resource use.
Global Goals Linked to Sustainable Transport
- SDG 1: End poverty through access to economic opportunities.
- SDG 5: Empower women by providing safer, accessible mobility.
- SDG 10: Reduce inequalities in access to infrastructure.
- SDG 13: Combat climate change by cutting emissions.
UN General Assembly Recognition
The UN General Assembly established World Sustainable Transport Day to emphasize the importance of:
- Integrated intermodal systems: Seamlessly linking highways, railways, waterways, and ports.
- Resilient infrastructure: Minimizing energy, land, and resource use while lowering emissions.
- Global collaboration: Sharing best practices and advancing international trade.
Secretary-General’s Call to Action
The UN Secretary-General highlighted the need to transition from fossil fuel dependency to:
- Electric and solar-powered vehicles.
- Renewable aviation fuel sources.
- Investments in green public transport.
- Incentives for low-carbon fuels and carbon pricing mechanisms.
“This first World Sustainable Transport Day reminds us that the road to a better future depends on cleaner and greener transportation systems. There is no time to waste. Let’s get moving.”
How to Mark the Day
- Educate the public about sustainable transport systems.
- Promote green transportation innovations and low-carbon infrastructure.
- Encourage the use of public and non-motorized transport like cycling and walking.
- Highlight the role of intermodal transport in reducing environmental impacts.
Together, we can create transport systems that drive prosperity while protecting the planet.
