The United Nations has officially launched the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035, setting out a global framework to advance equitable, safe, and sustainable mobility for all. The Decade’s Implementation Plan places strong emphasis on safe public transport and improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists as essential enablers of connectivity and accessibility.
The Alliance welcomes the launch of the Decade and its Implementation Plan as a critical opportunity to reshape transport systems worldwide. At the same time, the Alliance underscores a fundamental reality: there can be no sustainable transport without road safety. Each year, more than 1.19 million people are killed and tens of millions more injured in road traffic crashes, with low- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate share of this preventable burden. These deaths and injuries directly undermine sustainable development and must be addressed if the Decade’s ambitions and the Sustainable Development Goals are to be achieved.
Why NGOs matter for sustainable transport
NGOs play a vital role by bringing local realities to global discussions, amplifying community voices, and holding governments and institutions accountable for turning commitments into results. With members in more than 100 countries, the Alliance stands ready to work alongside governments, UN agencies, and partners to ensure that safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable mobility becomes a lived reality for people everywhere. Because sustainable transport is only sustainable if it is safe for every person, in every community.
Civil society commitments to turn vision into action
In response to the launch, the Alliance has made two voluntary commitments that reflect the central role of civil society in delivering safe and sustainable mobility.
The first, Moving Safety Together: NGOs and Youth Mobilising for Safe and Sustainable Mobility, is a joint commitment with Youth for Road Safety (YOURS). It focuses on strengthening NGO and youth capacity, supporting community-led safe mobility initiatives, and coordinating evidence-based advocacy to advance safety, equity, and sustainability on the road throughout the Decade.
According to Raquel Barrios, Executive Director, YOURS, “The Decade of Sustainable Transport Implementation Plan reflects the strength of a diverse community championing sustainable transport, shaped by the many priorities and perspectives that define our transport systems, including road safety. The joint commitment of YOURS and the Alliance underscores our belief that sustainable transport cannot be achieved in isolation. By working together, we place the vision of youth and communities at the heart of progress, catalyzing knowledge, resourcing grassroots action and driving change. As this Decade unfolds, may it inspire unity around an integrated vision that puts people’s safety and the planet’s health at the center of every investment decision.”
The second, Roadmaps for Change: Building Sustainable Capacity for Inclusive, Safe, Green and Efficient Roads for All, is made with the International Road Federation (IRF). This commitment aims to mobilize the global road ecosystem to translate the Decade’s vision into measurable, evidence-based action through policy reforms, technical standards and tools, replicable practices, innovation, and clear indicators of progress. It also includes a capacity-building programme of trainings and peer-learning activities to strengthen institutional capacity among road and transport authorities, equipping professionals and decision-makers to deliver inclusive and sustainable road systems.
According to Gonzalo Alcaraz, Director General of the International Road Federation, “IRF is proud to partner with the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety and a broad coalition of stakeholders to help deliver the vision of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. Road safety is fundamental to sustainable road systems, and progress will depend on strong advocacy and civil society leadership working alongside governments and industry.”
Accountability, investment, and people-centered systems
In its official statement on the Decade’s launch, the Alliance commended the Implementation Plan’s emphasis on walking, cycling, high-quality public transport, and Safe System solutions grounded in evidence. The Alliance also joined the call for shared responsibility among planners, designers, decision-makers, and funders, stressing that those shaping transport systems must be held accountable for delivering safety, sustainability, and equity.
Crucially, the Alliance urged that the Plan’s principles be translated into actionable, measurable, and well-funded commitments, including safety-focused investment frameworks and meaningful civil society engagement. Commitments alone are not enough because progress depends on implementation, accountability, and sustained political will. Read the Alliance’s statement HERE.
