ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) officially renewed their partnership on 5 December at COP28, solidifying their commitment to advancing sustainable, accessible, and safe urban mobility. The Memorandum of Understanding underscores their joint efforts since 2020 to foster a lasting collaboration between cities and the public transport sector.
In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the new Urban Agenda, and the Paris Agreement, this partnership aims to promote urban and interurban mobility that is not only efficient but also resilient and accessible for the next generations.
UITP, with over 1,900 members across 100 countries, is the only worldwide network that uniquely brings together stakeholders from all public transport and all sustainable transport modes.
The renewed agreement empowers ICLEI and UITP to bolster cities’ capacities to plan robust public transport systems. This collaboration opens avenues for capacity-building workshops, peer reviews, technical assistance, and the joint implementation of projects and best policy practices. These initiatives collectively strive to deliver sustainable urban mobility, aligning with local and national priorities and global agendas.
Published in 2020, the report titled “Promoting Safe and Sustainable Cities with Public Transport for the SDGs” serves as evidence of the collaborative efforts between ICLEI and UITP. Aligned with SDG 11.2, which urges cities to enhance road safety, especially through the expansion of public transport, the report emphasizes that sustainable transport and mobility must prioritize safety. Drawing on real case examples from cities such as London and Mexico City, this resource raises awareness about how a sustainable urban transport system not only saves lives but also contributes to creating more livable cities.