UITP attends first UN advisory group on sustainable transport

UITP (International Association of Public Transport) attended the first high-level UN Advisory Group on sustainable transport in New York this week with UITP Secretary General, Alain Flausch, presenting the conclusions of the first meeting on behalf of the co-chairs to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon.

The establishment of the 12-person Group, comprised of Government, civil society and private sector leaders, reflects the importance of sustainable transport in addressing major global challenges. Affordable, accessible and clean means of transport, relying on public transport and non-motorised alternatives, will be a key characteristic of sustainable cities in the future.

“The future of cities around the world looks bleak if we do not start taking action on sustainable transport,” said Alain Flausch. “The High Level Advisory Group is ready to unlock the huge potential of sustainable transport to contribute to poverty alleviation, sustainable growth and sustainable urbanisation”.

“The opportunities for sustainable transport are profound and we must take action,” Mr. Ban said. “Transport is vital for everyone, and with the right mix of solutions sustainable transport will help us to realise a better future by helping to reduce poverty while protecting the planet and driving economic growth.” Mr. Ban requested that the Group ensure the close alignment of transport with inclusive and equitable growth, social development, and environmental protection.

UN Advisory Group on sustainable transport

The Group will provide a global message and recommendations on sustainable transport and will publish a ‘Global Transport Outlook Report’ by July 2016 to provide analytical support for these recommendations and help mobilise action in support of sustainable transport.

The Group will support the organisation of the Global Sustainable Transport Conference that will be convened by the UN Secretary-General in 2016. The Advisory Group also seeks to promote the integration of sustainable transport in relevant inter-governmental processes, including making recommendations on the formulation and implementation of the post-2015 development agenda.

For more information see: http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org