The first-ever United Nations (UN) World Sustainable Transport Day was observed on 26 November 2023 to recognise the pivotal role of safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
- The annual observance was created in response to the impact that transport has on climate change and the disparity between transport options worldwide.
The observance is led by UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), in collaboration with the UN regional economic commissions.
Background:
On 16th May 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/77/286 and proclaimed the 26 November of every year as the World Sustainable Transport Day.
- The resolution was initiated by Turkmenistan, and co-sponsored by 66 other countries.
Why November 26?
It was on this day in 2016, the first UN Global Sustainable Transport Conference was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on 26 and 27 November 2016.
Significance:
i.Sustainable transport contributes to sustainable economic growth, improves societal well-being, and enhances international cooperation and trade among countries.
- The UN describes sustainable transport as the provision of services and infrastructure for the mobility of people and goods.
ii.The day is dedicated to enhancing intermodal transport connectivity, promoting environmentally friendly transportation, and developing socially inclusive transport infrastructure.
iii.It focuses on various aspects of transport sustainability to ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach towards a greener future.
2023 Events:
i.To commemorate the inaugural World Sustainable Transport Day, a series of Panel discussion sessions were organised on 24 November 2023 in Palais des Nations Geneva Switzerland.
ii.The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) commemorated November 26, 2023, as the 1st World Sustainable Transport Day with the launch of knowledge products and awareness-raising tools.
Note: ESCAP is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations.
Key Facts:
i.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.
