One billion people lack access to all-weather roads, and less than half of the global population can reach work in less than 60 minutes, underscoring the need for clean, efficient and affordable mobility in developing countries. This session will focus on building local expertise for planning, implementing and maintaining sustainable transport systems, covering clean technologies, the role of paratransit and enhancing technical capabilities. It will also address governance frameworks, institutional coordination and the importance of cohesive policymaking across local and national levels for sustainable transport solutions.

Transport is crucial for economic growth, job creation and access to services. However, recent crises have highlighted its vulnerability. This session will explore strategies for developing resilient transport infrastructure that can adapt to climate change, economic disruptions, health crises and conflict. It will focus on building local expertise in climate risk assessment, resilient supply chain management and multimodal transport planning. Additionally, it will address community engagement and regional cooperation to ensure robust, interconnected transport systems.

In 2021, road crashes killed 1.2 million people, with over 90% of deaths occurring in developing countries. Road traffic is the leading cause of death among those aged 5-29. Survivors face significant socio-economic challenges, making road safety a key developmental issue. This session will explore ways to improve road safety, focusing on vulnerable road users, inclusive infrastructure and effective governance. Topics include road safety enforcement, public behavior change, leadership commitment and the institutional capacity needed to meet road safety targets by 2030.

By 2040, the transport infrastructure investment gap is expected to reach critical levels. This session will explore innovative strategies to bridge this gap, focusing on clean, sustainable and climate-resilient systems. It will discuss funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, green bonds and climate funds, alongside strategies to optimize public spending and improve financial sustainability. The session will also cover developing bankable projects to attract private investment, enhancing public financial management and creating effective partnerships for long-term transport solutions.

As the transportation industry embraces innovation and accelerates its shift toward decarbonization, this session is an opportunity to examine the challenges and opportunities these changes present for a just transition that leaves no one behind. Panelists will discuss how new technologies can diversify the workforce, particularly by increasing participation from women and vulnerable groups through training initiatives. The session will also address strategies to strengthen policies, support local innovation ecosystems, and use technology and data to design inclusive mobility solutions that promote equitable access to jobs and opportunities for underrepresented communities.