The UNECE marked a historic occasion on 24 November 2023, by hosting the inaugural celebration of ‘World Sustainable Transport Day’ at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The event successfully recognised global efforts to increase sustainable mobility – as a means of reducing emissions, air pollution and traffic congestion – all while promoting better public health and economic sustainability.

ECF CEO Jill Warren, was invited as a featured panellist and speaker at the event, underscoring the importance of cycling in the mobility eco-system. She stressed the progress made so far in advocacy campaigns for more and better cycling, while making a call for urgent investment in sustainable mobility by governments and decision-makers.

ECF CEO Jill Warren, alongside fellow PATH members – UCI, SLOCAT and Walk21 at the inaugural celebration of World Sustainable Transport Day in Geneva, Switzerland.

She said: “More cycling is essential to decarbonising transport and achieving the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.” By implementing national policies that support walking and cycling, governments have the potential to reduce transport emissions by as much as 50%.

The recent publication of The Partnership for Active Travel and Health report on ‘National Policies for Walking and Cycling in all 197 UNFCCC countries’ demonstrates the critical need to shift towards alternative sustainable transport modes. The comprehensive report highlights how most countries have some kind of national policy on walking and cycling already in place. Additionally, eight countries have consistently linked walking and cycling between national policies and NDCs to deliver on climate, environment and equity goals.

Despite encouraging strides, a crucial takeaway pointed out by Warren, is the ongoing need for more action and investment in active mobility for a more sustainable future. The key policy areas governments can invest in to unlock the benefits of walking and cycling include: infrastructure development, modal shift campaigns, integration with public transport and capacity building.

In conclusion the event celebrated the essential role of transport in our daily lives, with the UNECE hosts saying: “There is no day when our life is not supported by transport.” However, as such a significant part of our lives, more effort is needed to make transport sustainable – both for the planet and our societies. Reiterating this sentiment, Warren said, “The potential for active travel exceeds 75% of all trips around the world. Cycling leads to improved public health and stronger economies. And let’s remember, cycling is fun!”.

ECF wishes to thank the UNECE for extending an invitation to promote our core mission of promoting more and better cycling for all in Europe. Working together is essential in order to effectively make transport as safe, accessible and sustainable as possible, and address our climate commitments.

Join ECF in campaigning for a more sustainable future by signing The Partnership for Active Travel and Health COP 28 open letter. We are urging the UNFCCC, governments and negotiators of the COP climate conference to prioritise walking and cycling and we need your support in doing so.

Sign the letter here to show your support!

(Cover photo – Credit: UNECE https://twitter.com/unece?lang=en)