UN meeting to focus on solutions for sustainable transportation

The UN General Assembly will host a high-level meeting on sustainable transportation in the search for effective solutions for its maximum use.

The conference, which is included in the Sustainability Week program, will analyze the balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions of sustainable transportation, to make the most of this activity on the route of the 2030 Agenda.

Among other aspects, the gathering proposes analyzing safe, affordable, and convenient access for all, particularly for groups in vulnerable situations, such as women, children and young people, the elderly, and people with disabilities. The UN considers this sector crucial to address the special needs of countries in complex situations by establishing and promoting efficient systems, particularly for less developed nations with international cooperation and multi-stakeholder initiatives.

According to agency figures, low-income people often spend up to a fifth of their income on public transport while traffic deaths and injuries continue to rise, killing an estimated 1.3 million people a year around the world, thus placing a disproportionate burden on the health systems and economies of developing nations.

Based on disclosed estimates, additional road spending will likely amount to two percent of Gross Domestic Product in low-income countries to meet Sustainable Development Goals, which do not include other components of sustainable transport, such as railways, ports, and public transportation.

Other statistics assure that total transport activity will more than double by 2050 compared to 2015 at the current rate, which the UN sees as a favorable to generate political momentum and commitment at the highest level.