The United Nations (UN’s) World Sustainable Transport Day (WSTD) was observed on 26 November to highlight the importance of safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport for economic growth, better well-being, and enhanced international cooperation and trade.
- 26th November 2024 marks 2nd observance of WSTD
- The annual observance was established to address the impact of transport on climate change and the global inequality in transportation options.
Note: The observance is organized by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in partnership with the UN regional economic commissions.
Background:
i.On 16th May 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/77/286 titled “Strengthening the links between all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)” and proclaimed the 26 November of every year as the WSTD.
- The resolution was introduced by Turkmenistan and supported by 66 other countries as co-sponsors.
ii.The first World Sustainable Transport Day (WSTD) was observed on 26th November 2023.
Why November 26?
It was on this day in 2016, the first UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 26-27 November 2016.
Significance:
i.Sustainable transport, aiming for universal access, improved safety, reduced environmental and climate impact, increased resilience, and greater efficiency, is key to achieving sustainable development.
ii.It plays a key role in advancing other important goals, like ending poverty, reducing inequality, empowering women, and fighting climate change.
iii.It is responsible for about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions, with 91% of the energy used in motorized transport across land, sea, and air coming from fossil fuels.
2024 Event:
i.UNDESA hosted a virtual webinar to share updated details about the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026-2035) and its Implementation Plan.
- The webinar also provided an opportunity to gather feedback from stakeholders on the Implementation Plan and address questions from participants.
ii.The United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA) issued stamps to commemorate World Sustainable Transport Day, featuring six high-speed trains.
iii.On October 1, 1964, Japan launched the Tokaido Shinkansen, also known as the “bullet train,” connecting Tokyo and Osaka just before the Tokyo Olympic Games.
- 2024 also marks the 60th anniversary of the world’s first high-speed train.
Note: ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.
Key Facts:
i.Aviation is another major part of the transport sector that uses a significant amount of fossil fuels, contributing to 10% of global emissions in the sector.
ii.To maintain a livable climate, the average annual carbon emissions per person should be reduced from 6.3 tons in 2020 to 2.1 tons by 2030.
iii.Globally, the average annual carbon footprint per individual is 5.9 tons.
ii.Living car-free can reduce your annual carbon footprint by up to 3.6 tons.
iii.Switching from a regular vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV) can reduce your carbon footprint by an average of 2 tons per year.
About United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General – Antonio Guterres
Headquarters – New York, the United States of America (USA)
Establishment – 1945
