STATEMENT by H.E. Mrs. Aksoltan Ataeva the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations at the celebration of “World Bicycle Day”

Your Excellencies,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished friends,

 

At the outset, I would like to express my gratitude to the Permanent Missions of Bahrain, India, Indonesia, Latvia, Türkiye and Qatar for their collaboration in organizing this event.

I also would like to thank Mr. Dennis Francis, the President of the General Assembly and Mr. Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs for their presence and valuable remarks.

 

Dear friends and cyclists,

 

Today, we gather here at the United Nations to commemorate our traditional global celebration of June 3rd as a World Bicycle Day, declared by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 72/272 in 2018, initiated by Turkmenistan.

 

 

This occasion serves as a powerful reminder of the simple yet transformative role bicycles play in our lives.

In 2022 we strongly voiced the need for the integration of bicycling into public transportation systems by initiating and adopting another General Assembly resolution to improve road safety, promote bicycle use, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable development.

 

As a Co-Chair of the Group of Friends of Sustainable Transport, Turkmenistan on behalf of the Group reaffirms a strong commitment to promoting cycling as a driver of sustainable transport. Through our collective actions, we can create bicycle-friendly communities which prioritize infrastructure development, road safety measures, and public awareness campaigns.

We are inspired by the excellent example of countries that have incorporated permanent budget allocations for bicycle transportation development. Their success stories serve as a roadmap for other nations committed to building more sustainable mobility through the power of the bicycle.

 

 

We commend the efforts of governments, organizations, and individuals who have championed cycling initiatives, advocating for its transformative impact on society.

My own country, Turkmenistan, continues to implement national cycling strategies, invest in appropriate infrastructure and convene mass cycling events at the Governmental level.

World Bicycle Day is not just a national celebration for Turkmenistan; it is a global campaign. We stand alongside all nations committed to promoting cycling as a key element of a sustainable future.

By investing in cycling infrastructure, we can ensure safe and efficient mobility for all, while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions, alleviating traffic congestion, and enhancing public health.

Let us continue to work together to create a world where bicycles are not just a mode of transport, but a symbol of a healthier planet, and a brighter future for all.

I wish all colleagues a happy World Bicycle Day!

 

Thank you.