“Safer roads are greener roads and they’re essential for a just transition to sustainable mobility. A truly sustainable transport system must protect its users, especially children, pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport users. Every year, 1.2 million lives are lost in road crashes. These are families, futures, and communities torn apart. The Decade of Sustainable Transport recognizes this and will align with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety.” — Astra Bonini, UN DESA.
The United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035 (the Decade) provides a strategic framework to tackle rising emissions, urban congestion, unequal mobility, and could, critically, contribute to reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities by ensuring that sustainability goes hand in hand with safety. The Decade is also relevant to NGO advocacy as it gives us another platform to push for at least 50% reduction in road deaths and injuries in line with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030.
We interviewed Astra Bonini, Chief, Integrated Policy Analysis Branch, Division for Sustainable Development Goals, UN DESA, coordinating the development of the implementation plan for the Decade. She provides insights on how the Decade of Sustainable Transport will advance climate, health and equity goals while ensuring the safety of road users. In this article, she outlines the Decade’s mandate, the integration of road safety measures into sustainable transport planning, and the roles that road safety NGOs and governments must play to transform commitments into safer, greener mobility for all.
The Decade of Sustainable Transport and its role in addressing transport challenges
The United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) is a global initiative launched by UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/72/212 to achieve the SDGs by strengthening the links between all modes of transport. Transport, which incorporates road, rail, sea, and air transport and movement of both people and goods, does not have its own SDG. However, it is essential in the achievement of other SDGs including those related to road safety, climate action, health, economic growth, and sustainable cities. “The Decade seeks to address pressing global challenges such as rising greenhouse gas emissions, urban congestion, road traffic fatalities, and unequal access to mobility. It aims to provide a strategic framework for coordinated action, awareness raising, and resource mobilization,” says Astra.
Road safety is crucial for the Decade
According to Astra, road safety is a fundamental factor in the Decade because protecting road users is key for sustainable transport. Hence, the Decade will align with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030), offering a platform to integrate safety into all aspects of transport planning including infrastructure, policy, and enforcement.
She also pointed to the fact that safer roads drive sustainability and climate action. Building protected walking and cycling paths, enforcing lower speed limits, and implementing traffic calming measures not only save lives, but shift people away from cars and promote active transport. This cuts emissions, improves air quality, and makes cities more livable. “In short, safer roads are greener roads and they’re essential for a just transition to sustainable mobility. When streets are designed for people, not just vehicles, we create healthier, more inclusive communities.”
The Decade is crucial for people on the ground
“The Decade of Sustainable Transport can transform everyday life,” says Astra, helping to deliver safer streets for children walking and cycling to school, cleaner urban air, and reliable connections for rural communities to reach healthcare and jobs. It will promote investments in low-emission public transit, walking, and cycling, which will reduce greenhouse emissions and improve quality of life. It will also reduce road traffic crashes by protecting pedestrians and cyclists through improved active mobility infrastructure. “It also emphasizes capacity building and partnerships, meaning local voices and solutions from NGOs and communities could influence how transport is planned and delivered, making it safer, fairer, and more sustainable for everyone.”
The important role of road safety NGOs in the Decade
Astra noted that NGOs drive the road safety movement by bringing local voices, lived experience, and fresh solutions to the table. “During the Decade, NGOs can play a critical role in advocacy, awareness-raising, and holding decision makers accountable. They can also help shape policies, support victims, and ensure that safety is not sidelined in the rush for infrastructure development.” The Decade offers an additional opportunity for NGOs to influence global and national agendas to improve safety on the roads.
Astra also added that NGOs should advocate for governments to embed safety in every transport investment by earmarking funds for safety measures, mandating safety audits on all projects, and enforcing strong and evidence-based regulations. She also called for collaboration between government and other stakeholders to ensure that safety and sustainability are linked across road and transport planning, design, and implementation. “Collaboration is key: by working with NGOs, communities, and experts, governments can ensure that investments reflect real needs and save real lives,” says Astra.
