ACI EUROPE joins global aviation partners in supporting the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport

Transport connects people, supports trade and supply chains, and underpins economic and social development. This central role has been recognised by the United Nations through the launch of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, beginning in 2026, which aims to accelerate coordinated action towards more sustainable, inclusive and resilient transport systems worldwide.

To highlight the role of aviation within this framework, the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) has led the development of the publication “The Role of Civil Aviation in the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport”, bringing together perspectives from across the global aviation sector. The publication sets out the practical actions already underway that will shape air transport’s long-term socio-economic and environmental contribution. ACI EUROPE has contributed through an article by Olivier Jankovec, aligning the airport sector’s role with the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport and its Implementation Plan, presented in December 2025. The plan provides a shared framework for developing transport systems that are sustainable, inclusive and resilient, and emphasises the need for coordinated action across all transport modes and stakeholders.

In his article, ACI EUROPE’s Director General highlights the central role of airports as enablers of decarbonisation, innovation and collaboration. He mentions that through the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme, airports are translating climate commitments into measurable action via a structured pathway from emissions measurement all the way to net zero operations. With more than 600 airports participating worldwide, the programme provides a clear route to eliminating emissions under an airport’s direct control, while increasingly addressing indirect emissions through structured engagement with third parties.

The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport offers an important framework to reinforce the collective approach by aligning policy, investment and innovation across regions and sectors. For aviation, this includes stable regulatory conditions, effective financing mechanisms and coherent international approaches that enable emissions reductions while safeguarding competitiveness. In Europe, initiatives such as the EU Sustainable Transport Investment Plan represent an important foundation, though further action will be needed to scale solutions, in particular Sustainable Aviation Fuels.

By supporting the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, ACI EUROPE reaffirms its commitment to collective action. The coming decade presents a clear opportunity to build on existing momentum, deepen collaboration across the aviation ecosystem and ensure that airports continue to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive transport system.

You can discover the full publication here.