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The annual celebration of World Sustainable Transport Day underscores the importance of safe, accessible, and truly sustainable mobility systems for all. It calls on Member States, international organizations, universities, civil society, and businesses to develop initiatives capable of transforming mobility into a driving force for global progress.

The UN highlights that sustainable transport transcends mere technical issues; it is, in fact, an accelerator of social progress. It allows for the eradication of poverty, the reduction of inequalities, improved access to employment, and the guarantee of healthier and more livable cities, where the quality of life is elevated for millions of people.

Sustainable transport has gone from being a distant aspiration to a pressing need, strategically aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda.

In 2025, the debate on this topic gained new and significant momentum, with various regions of the world discussing strategies for the decarbonization of urban fleets, the expansion of metro and tram networks, and the strengthening of electric buses. These discussions reflect a growing commitment to innovation and sustainability in the sector.

Change, however, doesn't depend solely on governments and large organizations. Every citizen can influence the global landscape by choosing electric vehicles, prioritizing public transport, walking short distances, or adopting other forms of active mobility.

This day therefore serves as a catalyst that unites politics, science, economics and daily life in a profound reflection: what kind of mobility do we want to bequeath to future generations?

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The transport sector plays a fundamental and irreplaceable role in economic growth, both nationally and globally. It is the engine that ensures the efficient transport of goods and passengers, guaranteeing the fluidity of production and access to consumption, vital elements for the prosperity of nations.

Modern technologies, in turn, are crucial for increasing the safety, accessibility, and efficiency of transportation systems, making them more robust and reliable. The primary objective is to minimize carbon emissions as much as possible and drastically reduce the environmental impact associated with mobility, one of the focuses of World Sustainable Transport Day.

"The transport sector is responsible for about a quarter of all greenhouse gas emissions. 91% of the energy consumed in land, sea and air transport comes from fossil fuels."

"Therefore, this sector is among the most difficult to decarbonize."

“However, I believe that humanity can overcome its dependence on climate-damaging fossil fuels and create sustainable, efficient, and low-carbon transportation systems based on new renewable energy sources.”.

António Guterres, UN Secretary-General

The path to this transformation is, however, long and challenging. According to United Nations data, more than half of the world's population currently lives in urban areas which, together with megacities, account for more than 60% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but are also responsible for more than 70% of global carbon emissions.

This critical issue is one of the cornerstones of World Sustainable Transport Day and is central to UN SDG 11 – “Sustainable Cities and Communities”. To achieve it, different countries are actively joining together in international cooperation, sharing knowledge and strategies for a greener future.

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Sustainable transport represents a profound transformation in how we understand cities, the economy, and the environment. This model proposes modes of transport that reduce emissions, promote accessibility, and build urban resilience, preparing societies for extreme weather events and the continued growth of metropolitan areas.

Intermodality — the harmonious integration of buses, trains, boats, bicycles, and pedestrian routes — is one of the fundamental pillars of this vision. Public transport, electrified and regular, emerges as the main tool to address congestion that harms millions of workers daily and causes substantial economic losses.

According to experts, the individual choice to switch from cars to public transport can reduce up to 2,2 tons of annual carbon emissions per person, a significant amount when multiplied by the populations of large cities. However, sustainable mobility is not limited to combating emissions.

It also involves tackling problems such as noise pollution, sedentary lifestyles, fragile public health, lack of green spaces, and cities designed to serve cars rather than people.

In many countries, more than half of urban space is occupied by cars, taking away vital space from sidewalks, bike paths, and green areas, resulting in unsafe streets, weakened local commerce, and social isolation.

Active mobility — walking and cycling — not only reduces pollution but also improves public health and makes urban spaces more humane, returning cities to people and nature, one of the ideals promoted by World Sustainable Transport Day.

Example Cities

The transformation of urban mobility into sustainable models is visible in cities that have become global benchmarks. Copenhagen, for example, stands out for its excellent cycling infrastructure, with bicycle "highways" that integrate perfectly with public transport.

This approach not only drastically reduced car use, improving air quality and decreasing noise pollution, but also promoted a more active and healthy lifestyle among its inhabitants, revitalizing urban spaces and boosting the local economy through increased street commerce.

Amsterdam follows a similar path, prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists through car-free zones and a vast network of safe routes. The city has invested in expanding and modernizing its tram and train network, discouraging the use of private cars and reclaiming public spaces for citizens to enjoy.

These models have been replicated globally, demonstrating how cities in different contexts can combat congestion and promote social inclusion through innovative and well-planned solutions, creating more inviting and safe environments for social interaction, in line with the principles of World Sustainable Transport Day.

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The transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is crucial, a central theme of World Sustainable Transport Day, but its widespread adoption faces significant barriers that go beyond the cost and availability of raw materials.

One of the biggest challenges lies in the need to ensure that the biomass sources used are truly sustainable, avoiding competition with food crops or deforestation, which requires rigorous certification and traceability criteria.

The infrastructure for the production and distribution of SAF, from the refinery to the airports, is still in its early stages and requires massive investments. Furthermore, the harmonization of policies and regulations at a global level is fundamental to creating a robust and predictable market, encouraging airlines to adopt these fuels on a larger scale.

Meanwhile, other heavy transport sectors are also seeking to decarbonize. In maritime transport, innovation focuses on alternative fuels such as green ammonia, hydrogen, and methanol, although these require significant adaptations to engines and supply logistics, as well as raising safety concerns.

Wind-assisted propulsion, with rigid sails or rotors, and electrification for coastal and port routes are also promising solutions. For rail transport, line electrification is the most efficient solution, but for non-electrified networks, battery-powered and hydrogen trains are emerging as viable alternatives.

Energy efficiency, through regenerative braking systems and intelligent traffic management, complements these innovations, consolidating the train as a low-carbon means of transport.

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The importance of sustainable mobility, the central theme of World Sustainable Transport Day, is reflected in the way different countries have sought to adapt to the challenges and in the growing international cooperation.

In recent years, debates in forums such as BRICS 2025 have highlighted that global collaboration is essential to accelerate the energy transition and finance green infrastructure, including modernizing bus fleets, expanding metro and tram networks, and developing new solutions for urban transport.

Meanwhile, cities around the world have witnessed a remarkable increase in the use of motorcycles, scooters and electric bicycles, both as a way to avoid congestion and as an economical alternative to the private car.

This movement, coupled with the creation of more charging stations and green corridors, highlights a global trend: people are looking for faster, more economical and sustainable mobility solutions for their daily lives.

Technological innovation and creativity in Design Transportation solutions continue to evolve, demonstrating that the future of mobility is a fertile ground for science, culture, and environmental responsibility.

This collective dynamism, driven by the climate emergency and the pursuit of a better quality of life, is a testament to the global commitment to transforming the transport sector.