Reducing the transport sector’s impact on the environment while improving access to service, especially in developing countries, topped the agenda of the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Opening its High-level Meeting on Sustainable Transport, Assembly President Dennis Francis urged countries to seize the opportunity to shape a green, inclusive and prosperous future for today and generations to come.
“From public transport to maritime transport, we must embrace innovation-driven approaches – to make sustainable transport a reality for all,” he said.
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Ensure equal access
He stressed that with over one billion people, roughly one-eighth of the planet, lacking access to all-weather roads, “our foremost priority must be to ensure equal access to sustainable transport, particularly for countries in special situations and vulnerable communities.”
He drew attention to Landlocked Developing Countries, Small Island Developing States, and Least Developed Countries and the obstacles to sustainability they face, such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of maintenance capabilities and impaired resilience to climate change.
Negatives and positives
Mr. Francis urged governments to embrace innovation-driven approaches to make sustainable transport a reality, which also includes honestly confronting negative impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions, a rise in road traffic accidents and exorbitant maritime logistics costs.
At the same time, the myriad benefits should not be overlooked, he added.
“Consider, for instance, how improving access to sustainable transport can considerably enhance school enrolment rates, especially amongst the most impoverished and vulnerable – including girls and economically disadvantaged learners, in far-flung rural and remote areas plagued by unreliable and costly forms of transportation.”
Running on fossil fuels
In an increasingly interconnected world, transport and mobility can change lives for the better, said the head of the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Junhua Li.
However, fossil fuel use still dominates the sector. More than 95 per cent of its energy comes from petroleum products, and transport also accounts for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Other pollutants from transport, most obviously in cities, directly impact the health of people. Increasing efficiency, reducing fossil fuel use, and investing in public transport must be at the top of our transport actions,” he said.
Last year, the UN General Assembly declared 26 November as World Sustainable Transport Day in a resolution put forward by Turkmenistan.
Effective and sustainable transport
Chakyyev Mammethan, Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications, spoke of projects both at home and in conjunction with other countries.
They include modernizing the national railway infrastructure, building highways, and establishing transport corridors with countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Uzbekistan to support international trade, economic development and growth in the region.
“All these initiatives really show that we have a comprehensive sustainable approach to developing our transport systems in Turkmenistan. We’re striving not only to be effective, but also to have a sustainable, responsible future,” he said.
The High-level Meeting on sustainable transport is part of the UN General Assembly’s first-ever Sustainability Week, which runs through Friday. Other issues being discussed include debt sustainability and socioeconomic equality, tourism, and energy.
Simon Blake is an experienced journalist deeply interested in international affairs and global development. Having spent years reporting on humanitarian issues, he offers a unique perspective in his coverage of United Nations news.
How can countries ensure equal access to sustainable transport for vulnerable communities in developing countries?
To ensure equal access to sustainable transport for vulnerable communities in developing countries, countries can implement a combination of strategies. These may include investing in infrastructure for public transportation, improving road networks, providing subsidies for clean energy vehicles, and promoting community-based transport solutions. By prioritizing the needs of these communities and leveraging innovative approaches, countries can work towards a more inclusive and sustainable transport system.
It is crucial that countries prioritize innovative solutions to make sustainable transport accessible to all, especially in developing regions. Dennis Francis’s call to action highlights the urgent need for equal access to transportation services in order to ensure a greener and more prosperous future for all.
How can we ensure equal access to sustainable transport in developing countries facing obstacles like inadequate infrastructure and climate change impacts?
Ensuring equal access to sustainable transport in developing countries facing obstacles like inadequate infrastructure and climate change impacts can be achieved through strategic partnerships, investment in resilient infrastructure, and community-driven initiatives. It’s essential to prioritize the needs of vulnerable communities and implement innovative solutions that address their specific challenges.
Do you think implementing innovative solutions in the transport sector is feasible for developing countries facing challenges like inadequate infrastructure and climate change impacts?
Yes, implementing innovative solutions in the transport sector is not only feasible but essential for developing countries facing challenges like inadequate infrastructure and climate change impacts. By embracing technology-driven approaches, we can overcome these obstacles and make eco-friendly transportation accessible to everyone.
I believe that embracing innovation-driven approaches in the transportation sector is crucial for ensuring equal access to sustainable transport for all individuals, especially those in developing countries. It’s essential to address the obstacles faced by vulnerable communities and prioritize making eco-friendly transportation accessible to everyone.
Reducing the transport sector’s impact on the environment while improving access to service is crucial. We must embrace innovation-driven approaches to make eco-friendly transportation accessible to everyone, especially in developing countries.
How can innovation help in ensuring equal access to sustainable transport for countries facing special situations and vulnerable communities?
Innovation plays a crucial role in ensuring equal access to sustainable transport for countries facing special situations and vulnerable communities. By leveraging technological advancements, we can develop more efficient and affordable transportation solutions that cater to the unique needs of these regions. This not only enhances accessibility but also promotes environmental sustainability, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future.