UN-Backed Asian Forum Highlights Transportation’s Role in Sustainable Development
New York, Apr 23 2013 - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed efforts by Asian countries meeting at a United
Nations-backed regional forum to address transportation as part of the effort to fight climate change and achieve
sustainable development.
In his message to the opening of the Seventh Regional Environmentally Sustainable Transport Forum in Asia and Global Consultation on
Sustainable Transport in the post 2015 Development Agenda, the Secretary-General commended delegates for discussing
next-generation transport systems for the 21st century.
“On a global scale it is essential that we better design and build transport infrastructure to make it safer and more
environmentally friendly, and to minimize vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters,” stressed Mr. Ban, who
also said he would “welcome” the forum’s ideas and suggestions on defining “a transformative post-2015 development
agenda.”
The two-day meeting, held in Bali, Indonesia, will explore a variety of issues related to transport in relation to the
outcome of the 2012 UN Conference on Sustainable Development, known as Rio+20 under the theme Next Generation Transport
System We Want for 21st Century~ Looking Beyond Rio+20.
Topics include the promotion of public bicycle schemes, greenways initiatives for converting road space into leaner
parks and high quality pedestrian areas, and the full integration of public transport modes.
In addressing the importance of sustainable transport, Mr. Ban also noted that access to goods and services through
efficient means was “essential” not only in preserving the environment but also in reducing poverty.
“In both urban and rural areas, better land-use and transport system planning makes a great difference in facilitating
access to jobs, goods and services for men and women alike. It also helps improve road safety and reduce traffic
accidents and fatalities,” he continued.
Echoing this point in a message delivered today to Brazil’s National Association of Mayors, the Secretary-General also
urged Brazil’s local officials to renew their commitment to developing sustainable cities in order to ensure better
lives for the growing numbers of people who inhabit the world’s urban environments.
“As agreed at the Rio+20 Summit, and as can be seen day by day through the innovative steps being taken in the world’s
cities and towns, local Governments have a crucial role to play in steering the world towards a path of truly
sustainable and equitable urban development,” Mr. Ban said in a message delivered by Giancarlo Summa, the UN Resident
Coordinator in Brazil.
“We need your dynamism in accelerating our work to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by the 2015 deadline,” he
continued. “We need your vision in addressing climate change, a paramount threat. And we need your voices to be heard as
we define a transformative post-2015 development agenda.”
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
ENDS