Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Dear Colleagues,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to the launch of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport.
This multi-stakeholder event brings together governments, MDBs, civil society, research institutions, youth representatives, the UN system and many others. This broad participation demonstrates how deeply sustainable transport connects to every aspect of our communities and economies.
Every day, in every country, sustainable transport creates opportunities. From social access to global trade, transport drives sustainable development. It links rural workers to jobs, ensures children safely reach school, and drives global trade through cleaner, more efficient logistics. It defines how we live, how businesses compete, and how nations grow.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Sustainable transport is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda. It drives synergies across poverty eradication, public health, climate action, gender equality, education and beyond.
Recognizing this critical link, the General Assembly declared the next 10 years the Decade of Sustainable Transport. It requested my Department, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, to collaborate with regional commissions and diverse stakeholders to develop the Implementation Plan for the UN Decade.
This inclusive process opened new avenues for cooperation and laid the foundation for new partnerships.
The Implementation Plan launched today provides a shared vision, outlining six priority areas and the means of implementation for transformative transport action.
The energy and enthusiasm across the transport community are undeniable. UN DESA has received over 80 Voluntary Transport Action Commitments from stakeholders ready to advance sustainable transport. This demonstrates the sector¡¯s readiness to act and lead with innovation and ambition. Some of these commitments will be showcased in today¡¯s programme.
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Today is only the beginning. We must ensure that the UN Decade is not just words, but a vehicle for tangible change.
The newly approved General Assembly resolution welcomed this launch and charted a path forward for monitoring progress.
Member States have also requested UN DESA to coordinate the development of visual and data-driven tools, including a joint atlas of transport sustainability to track progress. These tools will highlight global, regional and national indicators, good practices and voluntary commitments, ensuring transparency, accountability and inspiration for future action.
In addition, Member States will hold a midterm review in 2030, which will serve as the Third United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference. This will be a critical moment to assess progress, adjust strategy and accelerate implementation during the second half of the Decade.
Excellencies,
The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport offers a unique opportunity to transform transport systems, elevate climate ambition, and drive inclusive development. UN DESA stands ready to support Member States and all partners in this endeavor.
We deeply appreciate Ministers and Member States whose leadership, vision and support made today¡¯s event possible. Your continued engagement remains essential as we advance this ambitious Decade.
Let us move forward with shared purpose and collective resolve. No single actor can deliver this transformation alone, but through partnerships, innovation and steadfast commitment, we can build the sustainable transport systems our world needs.
I invite all stakeholders to join us in turning today¡¯s momentum into lasting change for people and planet.
Thank you.