The transport sector plays a fundamental role in sustaining the global economy and ensuring social well-being. However, it is also a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for nearly a quarter of global CO₂ emissions, and is increasingly exposed to the adverse impacts of a changing climate. Achieving the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C will require a substantial transformation of the sector—specifically, a reduction of transport-related emissions by at least 59% by 2050 compared to 2020 levels.
While advances such as the adoption of electric vehicles and investments in clean energy show progress, major challenges persist —especially in low and middle-income countries—where fossil fuel dependence and limited access to sustainable transport remain significant barriers. Against this backdrop, the third cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs 3.0) presents a timely opportunity for countries to raise their ambition by embedding comprehensive decarbonisation, adaptation and resilience measures into transport policies, supported by new guidance and tools from global experts.
In response to the urgent need for more ambitious and integrated climate action in the transport sector, SLOCAT, in collaboration with leading international organisations—including GIZ, the International Transport Forum (ITF), the Global Network for Popular Transportation (GNPT), the Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH), the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), and the International Union of Railways (UIC)—convened a high-level global workshop to support countries in the development of their third round of NDCs 3.0.
As the PATH coalition, we were proud to take part in this landmark workshop, collaborating with global experts to drive forward climate action in the transport sector. Representing PATH both as a co-founder of the coalition and in her role as CEO of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), Jill Warren played a moderated a key session focused on effectively integrating active mobility into climate strategies. As a member of the coalition, Bronwen Thornton from Walk21 presented the PATH NDC template, which has been developed to assist all national governments to be more ambitious and impactful for walking and cycling in their NDCs.
The workshop convened policymakers, experts and practitioners to explore the latest 2024 guidance and tools for advancing ambitious transport decarbonisation, adaptation, and resilience. The opening session focused on building capacity through practical resources—case studies, modelling frameworks, and actionable strategies—while promoting peer learning, particularly on common challenges in the Global South and aligning climate goals with national development priorities. Thematic Focus Areas were also presented, highlighting partner-developed NDC templates as key tools to support countries in shaping their transport commitments.
- Active Mobility and Public Transport: Walk21 and PATH stressed the urgency of embedding walking and cycling in climate strategies. Despite 80 countries having national walking policies, few reflect them in their NDCs. The session underscored the affordability and equity of active mobility and called for stronger political and financial commitments to scale it.
- UITP’s Template for Public Transport: UITP introduced a 14-point policy framework for integrating public transport into NDCs—centred on shifting mobility habits, inclusive urban planning and empowering cities. The template also linked transport action to SDGs and emphasised robust monitoring and reporting.
- Railways and Freight: UIC advocated for NDCs to include clear modal shift targets, infrastructure investment, electrification, and energy efficiency. It highlighted the dual need for mitigation and adaptation, and the potential of conditional NDCs to unlock climate finance.
- Popular Transport: Transport for Cairo spotlighted the role of informal transport, which serves over 70% of trips in many Global South cities. Their template recommends improved data, integration into formal systems, fleet upgrades and a just transition for workers and users.
In the second part of the workshop, participants took part in two hands-on exercises aimed at enhancing their capacity to define robust transport targets and prioritise effective actions within the framework of NDCs 3.0 in their respective countries.
The first exercise focused on setting transport targets. A facilitator introduced the various types of targets that can be included in NDCs, including absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets referenced to a base year (such as 2010 or 2019), medium-term mitigation goals for 2030 and 2035 aligned with a 2050 net-zero pathway, and non-GHG targets such as increasing the share of public transport, improving vehicle efficiency or expanding infrastructure for walking and cycling. Participants then discussed how these target types could apply to their national contexts and shared any draft or updated targets under consideration. Using a collaborative Miro Board, they documented their ideas and experiences, receiving expert feedback on how to refine their targets by addressing aspects such as scope, timeframes and baseline references.
The second exercise centred on prioritising transport actions, linking the discussion to the outcomes of the Global Stocktake and the global goal of doubling the share of energy-efficient and fossil-free land transport by 2030. Participants explored how NDCs can support the “Avoid–Shift–Improve” strategy, promoting demand reduction, modal shift to sustainable transport, and improvements in system efficiency. They were invited to use the Miro Board to map out intended outcomes for their national transport systems—such as increased public transport modal share or reduced emissions—and to identify the enabling policies, programmes, and initiatives required to achieve these outcomes, including policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and capacity-building efforts. As ideas were shared, transport experts offered real-time guidance to strengthen the clarity, feasibility, and ambition of proposed actions, while also identifying opportunities for regional cooperation.
Conclusion
The workshop was a powerful step forward in equipping policymakers with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to lead bold transport decarbonisation efforts. Beyond technical guidance and practical resources, it created a space for meaningful exchange—where ideas, experiences, and aspirations were shared across regions. Participants didn’t just learn; they connected, reflected, and collaborated. The peer learning and regional dialogue gave voice to common struggles and emerging solutions, helping align transport commitments not only with climate goals, but with deeper national priorities like equity, inclusion, and sustainable development. Through hands-on exercises, participants set clear targets, identified transformative actions, and charted practical paths forward—laying the foundation for more coherent, ambitious, and human-centred transport policies. These outcomes are not only vital for meeting the 1.5°C target, but also for shaping a future where transport systems serve people, planet, and prosperity.
