Transport and Communications

A group of women bus drivers.

Colombia's electric buses are not only countering climate change by reducing emissions, but are also creating job opportunities for women, contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive transportation sector.

An image of an airplane on transit

UN Member States took a decisive step with the adoption of the Inland Transport Committee’s Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport.

different pieces of mail

The postal system has historically been a fundamental pillar of global connectivity, and post offices have played an indispensable role in promoting united, inclusive, and interconnected communities. The theme for this year's World Post Day (9 October), "Together for trust: Collaborating for a safe and connected future," calls upon governments and their postal services to support the development of a digital single postal territory that complements the extensive physical network developed over centuries. On this #WorldPostDay, let’s unite in our commitment to fostering trust and collaboration.

A woman rides her bike across the United States southwest.

The bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation, conveying a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production and has a positive impact on climate. It contributes to cleaner air and less congestion. It also makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations. This World Bicycle Day ride a bike for your health and the health of our planet!

a group of kids congregate on their bikes on a walking street

Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, with around 1.3 million people killed and as many as 50 million people injured each year. 1 of every 4 deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists. The WHO Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 aims to reduce road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030 by ensuring safe roads, vehicles and behaviours as well as by improving emergency care. This year’s Global Road Safety Week focuses on sustainable transport, in particular the need to shift to walking, cycling and using public transport.

a road with seven lanes of traffic

WHO welcomes the political declaration on Global Road Safety committing to cut road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030, a milestone for road safety and sustainable mobility.

Collage of photos of Jishnu Saji as a boy and today.

The Day of the Seafarer (25 June) focuses on the contributions made by seafarers to the entire global community. Every day, hundreds of thousands of seafarers are underway on ships, while others get ready for their next voyage. Without seafarers, there would be no shipping. Under this year’s theme “Your voyage - then and now, share your journey”, IMO calls on seafarers to share what resonates with them most, include photos of their first and most recent voyages, and tell us what has changed. Search #SeafarerJourney in social media, to take a look at seafarer voyages.

Images pop out of a laptop representing airplanes and graphs.

ICAO and partners have completed new digital air cargo technical specifications guidance that will help to accelerate the transition towards safer and more resilient supply chains.

The new space race – joined by many private companies in addition to national administrations – means increased complexity when it comes to radio frequency spectrum sharing and space sustainability. Learn more about ITU’s role in safeguarding spectrum use in space.

passengers lined up for flight

The UN aviation agency (ICAO) is encouraging countries to continue combatting the spread of COVID-19, and specifically the Omicron variant, using its recommendations and guidance and manual.

airplanes taking off on runway

As the UN and world nations have embarked on a new era in global sustainable development, the importance of aviation as an engine of global connectivity has never been more relevant in enabling global peace and prosperity. International Civil Aviation Day (7 December) helps create and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to social and economic development, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind. 

A farmer carrying produce to local markets, a ship being loaded with medical supplies, a child seated on a school bus – the movement of people and goods, whether local, trans- or intercontinental, shapes sustainable development. Sustainable transport – with its objectives of universal access, enhanced safety, reduced environmental and climate impact, improved resilience, and greater efficiency – is the focus of the 2nd Global Sustainable Transport Conference.

Short video poem by Chad Jordan, on the role played by seafarers in our daily lives and the need to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade, the world economy and civil society as a whole.

Illustration of interconnectivity.

Across the Americas, only about half of households in rural areas have a home Internet connection, compared to nearly three quarters of those in urban areas, according to the latest study on regional digital trends by the ITU. The last of six regional preparatory meetings for the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) brought policy makers and experts together to take stock of digital challenges and opportunities.

Buses at a station

At a time when we face enormous challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is heartening to see the world mobilizing as never before to tackle the looming crisis of global warming. From renewable energy to carbon markets to sustainable agriculture, countries are taking steps to address emissions and enhance resilience. But despite all the positive momentum, there is one area in particular that requires urgent action: transport. Without decarbonizing transport, no scenario for achieving the 1.5-degree climate goal is feasible, and there we are currently heading in the wrong direction. The global transport sector emits around 24 percent of the world’s total energy-related carbon emissions, and this is expected to grow by 60 percent by 2050.