Geneva Welcomes Turkmenistan for First World Sustainable Transport Day
World Sustainable Transport Day Marked in Geneva
On November 26th, transport industry leaders, the United Nations, and civil society came together in Geneva, Switzerland to celebrate the first-ever World Sustainable Transport Day. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution submitted by Turkmenistan to proclaim UN World Sustainable Transport Day, marking the official start of this new holiday.
To honor the occasion, the UN organized a special event at the Geneva Palace of Nations where UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other representatives of UN agencies delivered welcome speeches. The day began with a thematic session on how transport supports daily lives, with the keynote speech delivered on behalf of Turkmenistan.
The date of World Sustainable Transport Day is significant. On November 26, 2016, the first UN Global Conference on Sustainable Transport took place in Ashgabat. During the event, Turkmenistan’s Deputy Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications highlighted the country’s efforts in the transport sector.
The report showcased Turkmenistan’s achievements, particularly in the modernization and expansion of railway infrastructure, the commissioning of a new international seaport, and the development of air infrastructure. The country has also invested in information technologies to manage traffic flows and introduced environmentally friendly modes of transport. As a result, the share of transport and communications in the country’s GDP has significantly increased.
Turkmenistan has been actively renewing its public fleet and building new infrastructure, including a 600km highway currently under construction. The country has also maintained low rates for public transport services and offered benefits for certain groups, while striving to decarbonize and electrify the transport sector.
The event continued with interactive panel discussions and working groups on various transport-related issues. The program included meetings dedicated to transportation of dangerous goods, transport safety, and how transportation contributes to addressing climate change and trade communications.
The comprehensive and sustainable approach to transport development in Turkmenistan was highlighted, with an invitation extended to all stakeholders to cooperate and join efforts in building a sustainable transport future for all.
As the inaugural World Sustainable Transport Day came to a close, participants reflected on the vital role that the transport industry plays in everyday life and its contribution to global sustainable development goals.
Source: ORIENT news
