The United Nations has formally launched the first-ever Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), unveiling its long-awaited Implementation Plan at a high-level gathering in New York that brought together government ministers, UN leaders, local authorities, industry representatives, civil society groups and youth organisations from across the globe.
The Implementation Plan, developed through an extensive participatory consultation process, sets out six priority areas and the means to achieve them. It serves as a roadmap to better align policy, finance, technology and data with sustainable transport systems that support progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“This consultative and inclusive process has opened new avenues for cooperation, and we have been privileged to lead it,” said Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. “It has brought together governments, industry, civil society, academia and the UN system in ways that will strengthen coordination and lay the foundation for new partnerships in the years ahead.”
Sustainable transport is central to achieving the SDGs, from reducing poverty and improving health outcomes to accelerating climate action, advancing gender equality and expanding access to education. As global transport demand is projected to more than double by 2050, the choices made in the coming decade will be pivotal in determining long-term development pathways.
The launch also showcased 83 commitments from governments, companies and organisations worldwide, representing billions in financial resources. These pledges span clean and equitable mobility, active travel, zero-emission road transport, capacity-building initiatives, and improved transport data and reporting.
Key announcements include:
- A USD 150 billion investment by the liner shipping sector to build 1,035 dual-fuel vessels capable of running on low- and zero-emission fuels by 2030.
- Thousands of new fast EV charging stations to be rolled out across Austria by 2030.
- Major national electrification initiatives set to benefit millions of people in Ethiopia.
- A commitment by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) to train 20,000 public transport professionals.
The UN emphasised that strong, coordinated action from governments, industry and communities will be essential throughout the Decade to achieve resilient, inclusive and climate-aligned mobility systems worldwide.
