The United Nations has launched its first Decade of Sustainable Transport, a 2026–2035 initiative intended to align global transport systems with climate and development goals, according to the UN. The announcement on 10 December at UN Headquarters in New York brought governments, development banks, city leaders and industry groups together to present commitments aimed at cleaner, safer and more resilient mobility.
Maritime Sector Highlights Investment Needs for Zero-Carbon Transition
The initiative follows a 2023 UN General Assembly resolution and is supported by an Implementation Plan coordinated by UN DESA, which outlined six focus areas as a non-binding framework for national and regional action.
UN DESA Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua said the consultation process opened “new avenues for cooperation” and noted that choices made in the coming decade will determine whether rising transport demand locks in high emissions or advances sustainable development pathways.
The UN also reported dozens of voluntary Sustainable Transport Action Commitments from governments, financial institutions, companies and civil society.
Ocean shipping used the event to highlight its potential role in the transition.
The World Shipping Council (WSC) said liner vessels, which carry about 80% of global trade by volume, require major investment to decarbonise.
WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek argued that the “ocean leg” of supply chains must be fully integrated into the UN effort. He stated that “liner shipping is investing USD 150 billion to build 1,035 dual-fuel ships by 2030, designed to run on low- and zero-GHG fuels,” emphasising that these are firm orders. He added that the Decade could help align governments, fuel producers and financiers to scale affordable green marine fuels and supporting infrastructure.
WSC reiterated its call for global greenhouse-gas rules at the International Maritime Organization, contending that clear pricing mechanisms, fuel standards and lifecycle accounting would steer investment and prevent fragmentation across regions.
The UN said the Decade is already informing regional work, citing discussions in Western Asia, Eurasia and Asia-Pacific on sustainable transport and low-carbon infrastructure. Environmental groups, including WWF, view the initiative as an opportunity to integrate nature and climate considerations early in transport planning, with commitments centred on greener infrastructure pipelines, data improvements, capacity building and standards.
The World Shipping Council is an international trade association representing container and roll-on/roll-off carriers that operate scheduled liner services worldwide.
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Source: en.portnews
