Roads eyed for action as UN Decade for Sustainable Transport kicks off

The UNFCCC, COP30 Presidency, and Brazilian Ministry of Transport's joint statement released yesterday at the launch of the UN Decade for Sustainable Transport puts the pivotal role of road transport in achieving COP30 goals and the Decade's implementation activities firmly in the spotlight. It calls for the implementation of UN transport conventions, international cooperation, and the deployment of skills development tools to accelerate the transition to sustainable practices and technologies.

The landmark statement - released yesterday at the launch of the UN Decade for Sustainable Transport in New York - underscores road transport's vital role in connecting communities and businesses through safe, efficient and green mobility and logistics. The statement aligns COP30 action with the goals of the Decade.

The statement includes commitments on:

• Ratifying and implementing key UN transport conventions, including TIR
• Building capacity and mobilising evidence-based tools and resources to accelerate the adoption of sustainable road transport solutions
• Integrating national and institutional policies and laws with the six strategic pillars of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (equitable access; decarbonisation and access; logistics efficiency; people-centred urban mobility; safe and clean transport; and science, technology and innovation)
• Fostering technology neutrality, sustainable innovation and digitalisation as drivers of efficiency and transparency in transport management

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, "With this pragmatic resolution, the UNFCCC, COP30 Presidency, and Brazilian Ministry of Transport have shown their willingness to mobilise available UN tools, international cooperation and innovation to make transport even more sustainable for everyone globally."

"This maps out a clear roadmap for public-private collaboration to drive a successful UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. We look forward to continuing to work together to turn commitment into reality," he added.

The development of the statement highlights IRU's growing presence in Brazil, achieved by integrating advocacy and services across multiple industry domains. It aligns with ongoing collaborative efforts between IRU and Brazil's Ministry of Transport.

IRU, NTC&Logística and Brazil's Ministry of Transport have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop joint action plans on key issues, including safety, sustainability, training, and cross-border freight processes. Brazil's ratification of the TIR Convention has also progressed considerably, with only the presidential approval remaining.

As part of the journey from Baku to Belém and beyond, IRU is committed to working with governments to develop sustainable transport corridors, such as the Bi-Oceanic Corridor, while driving economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection at the global, regional and national levels.