As nations mark World Sustainable Transport Day, global leaders are issuing an urgent call for accelerated action to shift the world’s mobility systems toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable alternatives. With transport responsible for one of the largest and fastest-growing shares of global emissions, the need to transition to low-carbon mobility has never been more critical.

Observed annually on November 26, the Day underscores the pivotal role that sustainable transport plays in achieving climate goals, social equity, and economic resilience — and warns that without decisive action, current systems will continue to undermine global progress on sustainability.

Transport Emissions Reaching a Critical Threshold

Transportation generates nearly one-quarter of all energy-related CO₂ emissions, according to international climate assessments.
Road vehicles — cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles — are the leading contributors.

Yet mobility remains essential for:

Economic productivity
Trade and supply chains
Access to healthcare and education
Urban livability
Social connection

This duality — high emissions vs. essential daily function — makes transport one of the world’s most urgent climate challenges.

World Sustainable Transport Day highlights the need for rapid, coordinated, and global transformation across all forms of transport.

The Road Ahead: Key Priorities for a Low-Carbon Mobility Future

To meet global sustainability targets, major changes must occur across cities, nations, and industries. Core priorities include:

1. Accelerating the Shift to Zero-Emission Transport

Scaling electric vehicles (EVs), electric buses, hydrogen mobility, and renewable-powered transport fleets is essential for slashing emissions.

2. Reinvesting in Public Transit & Active Mobility

High-capacity public transit, walkable urban design, and safe cycling infrastructure reduce congestion, improve air quality, and make cities more livable.

3. Expanding Smart & Integrated Mobility Systems

Digital tools that optimize routes, reduce fuel consumption, improve freight logistics, and integrate multiple transport modes are key to efficient movement.

4. Ensuring Accessibility & Equity

Transport must be inclusive — connecting rural, low-income, and marginalized populations with affordable, reliable, and sustainable mobility options.

5. Building Climate-Resilient Transport Networks

Transport infrastructure must be built to withstand floods, heatwaves, storms, and rising sea levels as climate risks intensify.

6. Supporting Policy, Innovation & Global Cooperation

Governments are urged to adopt stronger standards, phase out fossil-fuel vehicles, and embrace policies that accelerate green mobility transitions.

2025: A Defining Year for Global Transport Transformation

World Sustainable Transport Day 2025 arrives at a pivotal time:

The UN’s Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) begins next year.
Many nations are preparing to update climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Cities worldwide are adopting zero-emission zones and new public transit strategies.
Private-sector innovation in EVs, batteries, charging infrastructure, and clean freight continues to accelerate.

The Day serves as a rallying point for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities to align on a collective mission:
build mobility systems that benefit people without harming the planet.

A Call to Action for Governments, Industry, and Citizens

This year’s observance emphasizes that meaningful progress requires collaboration at every level:

Governments must adopt clear policies and accelerate investment in clean mobility.
Cities must modernize infrastructure and prioritize public and active transport.
Businesses must green their fleets, logistics, and supply chains.
Citizens are encouraged to consider sustainable transport choices in daily life.

The message is clear: incremental change is no longer sufficient. Only bold, coordinated action will ensure the world transitions to clean, efficient, and inclusive mobility in time to meet global climate commitments.

About World Sustainable Transport Day

Created by the United Nations General Assembly, World Sustainable Transport Day is dedicated to promoting safe, affordable, accessible, and environmentally responsible transport systems. It recognizes mobility as a foundation for sustainable development — and calls for collective action to redesign how the world moves.