Connecting a sustainable future

Connecting a sustainable future: New partnerships for sustainable transport

Asia-Pacific’s top UN official signs transport partnership in theRepublic of Korea

Bangkok (ESCAP News)  -- Carbondioxide emissions from transport in Asia and the Pacific have more than quadrupled in the past 45 years. At the same time, transport-related oil consumption has surpassed figures recorded in other regions in the world. In alleviating the detrimental effects of unsustainable transport, it is necessary to collaboratively revise transport policy, restructure approaches to transportation in the region and direct joint efforts towards sustainability. 

The signing of a new Memorandum of Understandingthis week between the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and the Korea Transport Institute (KOTI) strengthens efforts towards building sustainable transport systems across the Asia-Pacific region. The new partnership will assist ESCAP member States in the long-term development of inclusive regional transport policies, by encouraging the participation of public and private sector stakeholders as well as academia in joint activities.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General and ESCAPExecutive Secretary, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, highlighted the importance of innovative transport research, one of the pillars of the new partnership, saying, “Coordinated, integrated and sustainable transport solutions underpin future development, since the benefits of improved connectivity will spread across and between countries in the region.”

The President of KOTI, Dr. Chang-Woon Lee, added, “Integrated transport planning leading to sustainable urban transport and integrated intermodal transport and logistics systems, which include rural access, are priorities for the region’s transport systems.”

As a result of this Memorandum of Understanding,ESCAP and KOTI will further expand their long-standing work together on regional analysis of transport development, and the promotion of innovative solutions to urban traffic congestion and pollution.

The two organizations will also combine efforts to share successful transport policies and initiatives with other ESCAP member States, especially as regards integrated intermodal transport and logistics systems, which include the development of the Trans-Asian Railway, the Asian Highway and dry ports.

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