STATEMENT by Ambassador Aksoltan Ataeva Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations at the side event on the Implementing the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport

Good afternoon, Your Excellencies,

Distinguished delegates,

Let me extend my gratitude to the United Nation Economic and Social Council and all UN Regional Commissions for organizing this event and your active involvement to the implementation of the UNGA resolution A/RES/78/148 entitled “Strengthening the links between all modes of transport to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”, especially into the preparation process of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport for the 10-year period beginning on 1 January 2026.

Dear colleagues,

We all aware that the development of transport today has become a serious factor in geopolitics, a powerful integration resource capable of providing great economic and political preferences to states and regions, promoting the compatibility of their strategic interests by connecting vast spaces, production and resource potentials, movement of goods and people.

The United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport aims to achieve significant improvements in transportation by 2030. The plan should focus on five key areas like: safety, clean vehicles and fuels, access and mobility, trade and efficiency, financing and investment.

Building a Safer Future:

We must prioritize safety above all else. The Implementation Plan must invest in infrastructure that protects vulnerable road users, like dedicated bike lanes, improved pedestrian walkways, and advanced traffic management systems.

 

 

Clean Vehicles and Fuels:

The Implementation Plan should stimulate electric vehicles with tax breaks, rebates, and a network of charging stations. Additionally, explore hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and clean fuel options like biofuels for existing engines – all stepping stones to a low-emission transportation future.

Universal Access and Mobility:

It is also necessary to address gaps in public transportation, particularly in underserved communities. Expand routes, implement electric shuttles, and explore innovative microtransit services. A transportation system is only sustainable when it's accessible to everyone.

Optimizing Trade and Efficiency:

We must also optimize trade and efficiency. The plan can explore intelligent infrastructure projects to streamline freight movement, utilizing data analytics and route optimization to minimize congestion and ensure efficient delivery. Promote intermodal transportation, which seamlessly moves cargo between different modes like trucks and trains, to further minimize environmental impact.

 

Financing the Future:

Building a sustainable network requires significant investment. The Implementation Plan should explore innovative financing mechanisms beyond traditional government funding. Public-private partnerships and carbon pricing can generate funds. Green bonds, debt securities specifically used for eco-friendly projects, can attract new capital. Streamline permitting processes and offer tax breaks for companies investing in sustainable technologies and infrastructure – incentivize private sector involvement.

By prioritizing these key areas, the Implementation Plan can unlock a truly sustainable transportation future – one that's safe, equitable, and economically sound.

We should also acknowledge the valuable work of the Group of Friends on Sustainable Transport in fostering a global conversation on sustainable transportation. This group recently welcomed Qatar and the Philippines as new members, and we encourage others to join as well.

In conclusion, I would like to highlight that Turkmenistan will host the international celebrations for World Sustainable Transport Day this November, in accordance with UNGA resolution 78/148.

This event will provide another platform to discuss preparations for the upcoming Decade of Action.

Let’s make this decade a milestone for global transport diplomacy.

Thank you for your attention.