The international community observes World Sustainable Transport Day annually on November 26. This day serves as a global platform to highlight the vital role that safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems play in supporting economic growth, improving social well-being, and fighting climate change.

The day was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in May 2023. The resolution to establish the observance was adopted based on an initiative put forward by Turkmenistan and co-sponsored by 67 Member States.The choice of November 26 is highly significant. It marks the anniversary of the First Global Conference on Sustainable Transport, which was held in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, on November 26, 2016. By designating this date, the UN recognized Turkmenistan's enduring commitment to promoting transport diplomacy and sustainable connectivity at the regional and global levels.

Sustainable transport is not an end in itself but a crucial accelerator for achieving the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, poverty eradication, and inclusive societies.The goals promoted on World Sustainable Transport Day include:

·Environmental Responsibility: Promoting low-emission and energy-efficient modes of transport to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This includes shifting toward electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel, and efficient public transit.

·Universal Access: Ensuring that transport systems are affordable and accessible to all people, including those in remote areas and people with disabilities, thereby improving social equity.

·Safety and Efficiency: Enhancing road safety globally to reduce traffic fatalities and improving the efficiency and resilience of transport and logistics networks, particularly through better intermodal connectivity (linking road, rail, air, and sea transport).

·Infrastructure Investment: Encouraging the development of quality, reliable, and resilient transport infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable development.

Why Transport is a Global Priority?

Transport is a cross-cutting sector that touches every aspect of daily life, from the movement of essential goods and food to enabling access to jobs, education, and healthcare. However, the sector also remains a significant contributor to global environmental challenges:

·Climate Impact: Transport accounts for a substantial portion of global CO2 emissions, making decarbonization essential for meeting the targets of the Paris Agreement.

·Safety Crisis: Road traffic crashes result in an alarming number of deaths and injuries each year, often disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.

·Lack of Access: Globally, nearly half of the population lacks convenient access to public transport, hindering economic and social opportunities.

World Sustainable Transport Day serves as an urgent call to action for governments, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate on building a transport future that is clean, inclusive, and equitable for all.

Orazbagt ATAYEVA, second-year student in the Faculty of International Journalism at the Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.