UN Decade of Sustainable Transport Launch – World Shipping Council

Report on High-Level Participation in UN Sustainable Transport Initiative

Event Overview

A high-level event, “Mobilizing for a Sustainable Future – showcase of Sustainable Transport Action Commitments,” is scheduled as a key component of the launch of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035. This event directly supports the global agenda for sustainable development.

• Date: 10 December 2025
• Location: United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA
• Keynote Speaker: Joe Kramek, CEO & President of the World Shipping Council (WSC)
• Context: Official launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport and its Implementation Plan.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The initiative and the participation of private sector leaders underscore a collective commitment to advancing several key Sustainable Development Goals. The focus on sustainable transport is integral to achieving the 2030 Agenda.

1. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): The event aims to promote accessible and sustainable transport systems, directly addressing Target 11.2.
2. SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure): It highlights the development of quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure to support economic development and human well-being.
3. SDG 13 (Climate Action): By showcasing commitments to sustainable transport, the initiative contributes to urgent action to combat climate change by reducing emissions from the transport sector.
4. SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The gathering of diverse stakeholders exemplifies the multi-stakeholder partnerships required to achieve the SDGs.

Key Objectives and Participants

The primary objective of the event is to provide a platform for stakeholders to announce voluntary commitments and showcase initiatives that advance sustainable transport, thereby accelerating progress on the SDGs.

The event will convene a broad coalition of partners, including:

• Member States
• United Nations system entities
• Development banks
• Civil society organizations
• Private-sector partners

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article’s central theme is the “UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035” and an event focused on “Sustainable Transport Action Commitments.” This directly aligns with the goal of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, where transport is a critical component.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

   • Sustainable transport relies on the development of resilient, sustainable, and innovative infrastructure. The event’s purpose of highlighting “initiatives advancing sustainable transport” connects to the goal of building infrastructure that supports economic development and human well-being.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The promotion of “sustainable transport” is a key strategy for climate action, as the transport sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. The “Decade of Sustainable Transport” is an initiative aimed at mitigating climate change.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The article explicitly states that the event will bring together “Member States, the UN system, development banks, civil society, and private-sector partners.” This multi-stakeholder collaboration is the core principle of SDG 17, which emphasizes partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.

   • The event’s title, “Mobilizing for a Sustainable Future – showcase of Sustainable Transport Action Commitments,” and its context within the “UN Decade of Sustainable Transport” directly address the objective of creating and promoting sustainable transport systems as outlined in this target.

2. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.

   • The focus on “sustainable transport” implies the need for developing the necessary infrastructure to support it. The initiatives discussed at the event would inherently relate to building or upgrading infrastructure to be more sustainable.

3. Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

   • The “voluntary commitments” to be announced by Member States represent the integration of sustainable transport—a key climate change measure—into their national strategies and planning frameworks.

4. Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

   • The article details the diverse group of stakeholders attending the event, including “Member States, the UN system, development banks, civil society, and private-sector partners.” This gathering to make commitments exemplifies the formation of partnerships to advance a common sustainable development goal.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. The article does not mention any specific quantitative indicators used to measure progress, such as official UN statistical indicators.
2. However, it implies the use of qualitative or process-based indicators through the actions planned at the event:
   • Voluntary commitments: The announcement of these commitments by various partners serves as an indicator of intent, policy adoption, and engagement towards achieving sustainable transport. The number and scope of these commitments can be tracked.
   • Highlighted initiatives: The showcasing of “initiatives advancing sustainable transport” acts as an indicator of concrete actions and projects being implemented. These initiatives can be monitored for their effectiveness and impact.

Summary Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: worldshipping.org