Changing Course: Pathways to Sustainable Transport
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will host its second ADB Transport Forum from 25–27 May, 2010 at ADB Headquarters in Manila. The theme of the 2010 Transport Forum is: “Changing Course: Pathways to Sustainable Transport”.
Transport in Asia and the Pacific is at a critical juncture. Rapid motorization over several decades has enabled and contributed to economic growth, poverty reduction and social development. However, the present direction of transport in the region is not sustainable. Due to energy use by vehicles, greenhouse gas emissions from transport are estimated to double between 2006 and 2030 – from 1 billion to 2.3 billion tons. Many cities have become congested, and transport is a major source of air pollution. The growth in transport has led to road accidents becoming a leading cause of death worldwide. The positive social and pro-poor impacts of transport can be higher, and more can be done to avoid and mitigate its negative social impacts.
While ADB's transport operations in developing Asia and the Pacific will continue to include many features that were supported in the past, ADB has prepared a major new initiative – the Sustainable Transport Initiative – to scale-up its support for making transport more sustainable. It is carrying out this initiative in collaboration with development member countries and in partnership with other donors, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector. ADB continues to incorporate safeguard measures in its transport projects to ensure full protection of people and the environment. It is also cognizant of social and poverty issues in the design and implementation of its projects.
In line with the theme of changing course toward sustainable transport, the program for the 2010 Transport Forum will cover the four areas chosen as the initial focus of the Sustainable Transport Initiative:
- Regional transport corridors
- Urban transport
- Mainstreaming climate change in transport
- Road safety and social sustainability
The Transport Forum is an important event for the transport community within ADB to discuss future plans. Equally, it is an opportunity to exchange ideas with governmental and non-governmental stakeholders of ADB member countries. It also enables ADB to enter into a dialogue with the wider community on transport in Asia, including potential partner organizations.
It is expected that about 300 persons will participate in the 2010 Transport Forum. More information and regular updates on the 2010 Transport Forum can be found at http://wwww.adb.org/Documents/Events/2010/Transport-Forum/default.asp .
Inquiries can be sent to mcastillo.consultant@adb.org.
Tyrrell Duncan
Director, East Asia Transport Division
and Chair, Transport Community of Practice
Email: tduncan@adb.org
Woochong Um
Deputy Director General
Regional & Sustainable Development Department and Co-Chair, Transport Community of Practice
Email: wcum@adb.org
