Global Sustainable Transportation Cooperation and China’s Role in Advancing SDGs

Introduction

On May 31, 2022, a freight train loaded with auto parts, mechanical equipment, lighting items, refrigerators, and other products worth approximately 40 million yuan ($6 million) departed from Chengdu, Sichuan Province, marking the official launch of the “European passage” of the China-Europe freight train route. This route traverses the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, linking Chengdu with Europe and exemplifying sustainable transportation development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Senior Officials’ Meeting on Global Sustainable Transport

Officials from 20 countries and regions convened in Tianjin Municipality, North China, to foster consensus on sustainable transportation development. The meeting emphasized the critical role of transportation cooperation in maintaining global industrial and supply chains amid rising protectionism and unilateralism.

Key Highlights and Statements

• Li Yang, Deputy Minister of Transport of China: Highlighted that despite global protectionist trends, international cooperation and win-win outcomes remain essential for advancing transportation infrastructure and trade growth.
• Fariz Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s Transport Policy Department Head: Noted that transportation accounts for 23% of global carbon emissions and stressed the importance of technology, innovation, and best practices—particularly from China—to reduce this footprint.
• Stephen Ikua Kariuki, Kenya Transport Official: Affirmed that China’s sustainable transportation practices are replicable worldwide, demonstrating scalable solutions for global adoption.

China’s Contributions to Sustainable Transportation and SDGs

China’s efforts in sustainable transportation directly support multiple SDGs, including:

1. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of advanced freight routes.
2. SDG 13 (Climate Action): By promoting green transportation technologies and reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
3. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Via urban transit projects enhancing accessibility and reducing pollution.
4. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Through international cooperation and joint infrastructure projects.

Major Projects and Innovations

• Cross-Caspian Sea Multimodal Freight Service (Launched July 2024): Enhances Eurasian landmass connectivity, facilitating sustainable trade routes.
• Port of Chancay, Peru (Operational November 2024): A deep-water port developed with Chinese support to boost trade between South America and Asia.
• China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway (Construction started 2024): A key transportation artery promoting regional integration and sustainable logistics.
• Electric Vehicle Industry Development: China sold over 11 million electric cars in the previous year, surpassing global sales from two years prior, contributing significantly to reducing transport emissions.
• Egypt’s Electrified Light Rail Transit System: Jointly developed by Chinese and Egyptian companies, this system serves nearly half a million passengers daily, promoting sustainable urban mobility.

International Support and Future Outlook

At the 2023 Global Sustainable Transport Forum, 25 countries and international organizations endorsed the Beijing Initiative on Global Transportation Cooperation and Communication. This initiative calls for collective efforts to build transportation systems that are safe, convenient, efficient, green, and economically sustainable—fully aligned with the SDGs.

Experts and officials acknowledge China’s extensive experience and leadership in sustainable transport development, emphasizing its potential to guide global green transformation efforts, particularly benefiting the Global South.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Focus on building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.
   • Development of transportation infrastructure such as railways, ports, and freight services.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Development of sustainable urban transport systems like Egypt’s electrified light rail transit.
   • Improving accessibility and sustainability of urban transport.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing carbon emissions from the transportation sector (which accounts for 23% of global emissions).
   • Promoting green transformation and use of electric vehicles.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • International cooperation and partnerships for sustainable transportation development.
   • Multilateral and bilateral cooperation to improve global transport systems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 9 Targets
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.
2. SDG 11 Targets
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
3. SDG 13 Targets
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation.
4. SDG 17 Targets
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.1.2: Passenger and freight volumes, by mode of transport.
   • Indicators related to infrastructure development such as kilometers of railway constructed (e.g., China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway).
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.2.1: Proportion of population that has convenient access to public transport.
   • Number of passengers using sustainable urban transport systems (e.g., Egypt’s electrified light rail carrying nearly half a million passengers daily).
3. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year (transport sector emissions at 23% of global emissions).
   • Electric vehicle sales and adoption rates (e.g., more than 11 million electric cars sold in China in one year).
4. SDG 17 Indicators
   • Indicators measuring international cooperation such as number of countries participating in transport cooperation forums (e.g., 25 countries supporting the Beijing Initiative).
   • Number and scale of joint infrastructure projects developed through partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: globaltimes.cn