PURPOSE: Recognizing the important role of safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all in supporting sustainable economic growth, improving the social welfare of people and enhancing international cooperation and trade among countries, the General Assembly decided, in its resolution A/RES/77/286 of May 2023 to declare November 26st as World Sustainable Transport Day. Through the resolution, the General Assembly invited all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, international and regional organizations and civil society to mark the World Sustainable Transport Day by means of education and the holding of events aimed at enhancing the knowledge of the public on sustainable transport issues. In particular, the General Assembly called for focus on enhancing intermodal transport connectivity, promoting environmentally friendly transportation, and developing socially inclusive transport infrastructure. Transport lies at the heart of sustainable development. The sector accounts for about one-quarter of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions and is at a crossroads. It is a challenging sector to set on a sustainable, low-carbon pathway. At the same time, the world recognizes the important role of transport in supporting economic growth, facilitating global supply chains, enhancing international cooperation and trade, in connecting people and communities to jobs, schools and health care and in the delivery of goods and services to rural and urban communities, thus providing all with equal opportunities and leaving no one behind.
FORUM:”Next stop: a more sustainable urban future!” World Sustainable Transport Day 2023. Transport touches every part of our lives even when we don’t realize it. From the trendy clothes we wear to the delicious food we savour; transport is responsible. It brings the raw materials to factories, stocks our favourite stores, and delivers fresh farm produce to our table. Access to jobs and commerce is also made possible through transport. There is no day when our life is not supported by transport. So, making transport as safe, accessible, and sustainable as possible is one of the keys to a brighter and more sustainable future. Follow the conversations with the hastags: #26november, #sustainableTransportDay, #resilientTransport, #inclusiveTransport, #safetransport.
EVENTS: This November 26th marks the inaugural celebration of World Sustainable Transport Day. The UN Regional Commissions undertake regulatory work and policy research, provide platforms for dialogue and knowledge sharing and leverage regional cooperation to spearhead initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable, socially inclusive and resilient transport systems in the regions.
On November 24 from 9:30 - 13:00, the UNECE organized a high level event at the Palais des Nations, Geneva; Switzerland. The Topics were:
Session 1: How transport supports our daily life?; With an interactive panel discussion on how transport underpins all our daily activities.
Session 2: How transport makes us safe?; With an interactive panel discussion on actions aimed at making transport safer.
Session 3: How transport contributes to climate change agenda?; With an interactive panel discussion on greening transport for a climate friendly future.
Promoting knowledge of sustainable transport solutions: LearnITC - the UN eLearning Platform on Sustainable Inland Transport and Trade Connectivity. Get the UNECE Tentative Programme!
On November 26th, 2023; The UNESCAP have commemorated the World Sustainable Transport Day 2023 with the launch of knowledge products and awareness raising tools, as well as dedicating a number of activities to enhancing the knowledge of the public on sustainable transport issues.
On September 25th, 2023, was organized the China Global Sustainable Transport Forum on a subject of utmost importance – international shipping and its pivotal role in advancing sustainable transport, underpinned by the international regulatory framework established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In the face of unprecedented global challenges and uncertainties, the international shipping industry remains a steadfast force, ensuring global connectivity through the seamless flow of goods across the world.
PUBLICATIONS: Find out more about sustainable transport and sustainable development and the Guidance on safe environments and mobility.
STATEMENTS: Read the Statement of the United Nations Secretary-General on the World Sustainable Transport Day 2023 and the Message of the UN Regional Commissions on World Sustainable Transport Day 2023.
PODCASTS: From electric and solar-powered vehicles, to renewable aviation fuel sources, to massive investments in green public transportation systems, to measures like carbon pricing and subsidies for low-carbon fuels, we can steer our societies towards a cleaner and more sustainable path for people and planet. Listen to the audio podcasts!
CAMPAIGN: There is no time to waste. Let’s get moving. This first World Sustainable Transport Day reminds us that the road to a better future depends on cleaner and greener transportation systems. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
The United Nations General Assembly designated November 26th as World Sustainable Transport Day. Transport is estimated to contribute every fourth ton of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally and is one of the top emitting sectors in all regions, with a tendency to grow further on the back of economic growth and development. Fossil-fuel based road transport remains the dominant mode of transport in all regions, due to lack of viable alternatives. Road safety remains a major challenge in all regions. Globally, road crashes cause 1.3 million preventable deaths and 50 million injuries each year, 93% of which occur in low- and middle-income countries. Underdeveloped infrastructure, especially in rail, inland waterways and intermodal terminals/dry ports, hinders opportunities for modal shift. Investments in infrastructure and in physical and operational measures to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of transport systems, especially in freight, remain insufficient.
During the day, we hightlight the importance of cooperation in enhancing transport connectivity through an integrated intermodal transport system by developing quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, exchanging best practices to optimize the development of interconnected highways, roads, streets, railways, waterways, airways, areas of modal transfer and ports, by encouraging transport infrastructure construction and operations to minimize consumption of energy, land and other resources; To generate lower emissions of greenhouse gases, ozone-depleting substances and other pollutants and to ensure a positive social impact.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!.
- Developing low carbon pathways for transport is critical to set the sector back on track to deliver on the 2030 Agenda and the commitments of the Paris Agreement.
- Strong alignment with the energy sector is essential to promote low-carbon transport ecosystems, including through the transition to electric mobility and the development of low emission fuels.
- Improving road safety calls for long-term commitment and action by governments. The Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 has set an ambitious target of preventing at least 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030 and provides the framework for the United Nations and its partners’ efforts to support countries’ in their road safety efforts, following the Safe System Approach.
- Digitalization, innovation and technology are key enablers for fostering connectivity, lowering transaction costs and making transport systems more efficient and reliable.
- Integration of mobility planning with urban planning, while taking due account of the principles of just transition, gender equality and social inclusion, is a key lever for increasing efficiency and environmental performance of urban transport systems.
- Achieving an environmentally sustainable modal share for rail and inland waterways requires prioritization of investments in transport infrastructure.
- Transport and logistics connectivity can unlock economic, social and environmental opportunities for least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
PARTNERSHIPS
The World Sustainable Transport Day is organized in partnerships with the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Road Safety Fund Secretariat, the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), he World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations Framework convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the United Nations Commission for Europe (UNECE), the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and Pacific (U,NESCAP); United Nations Economic Commission of Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC), United Nations Economic Commision for Western Asia (UNESCWA). With the participation of the UNSG Special Envoy on Road Safety, the International Transport Forum (ITF), the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), the International Road Federation (IRF), the Safety and Mobility, WHO; the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the International Union of Railways (UIC), the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), the Transport, Health and Environment Pan-European Programme (THE PEP), the UNECE Working Party on Intermodal Transport and Logistics (WP.24), the China Air Transport Association, the China Road Transport Association (CRTA), the Road transport in Russia, the Australian Public Transport Industrial Association (APTIA), the Australian Transport Officers' Federation (ATOF), the NATROAD Australia, the International Federation of transport workers (IFTW).