Global Principles to Advance Equitable Access and a Just Transition to Sustainable Mobility
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Logo Hamburg Sustainability Conference
Global Principles to Advance Equitable Access and a Just Transition to Sustainable Mobility

Hamburg Sustainability Conference

Hamburg Charter for Inclusive and Just Mobility

The Hamburg Charter was launched and signed at HSC 2024. Learn more by clicking on the sections below.

Signatories' Voices

Anjes Tjarks

Senator of Mobility, City of Hamburg

Sustainable and equitable mobility is essential for a livable city, and I am proud to say that Hamburg is following and implementing the principles set by the Charter. 

Ingrid-Gabriela Hoven

Managing Director, GIZ

The Charter promotes equitable, inclusive and climate-friendly mobility through global collaboration and fair opportunities especially for disadvantaged groups and workers.

Niels Annen

State Secretary, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development

The global transformation of the transportation sector toward more sustainability and inclusivity is of utmost importance. The charter is a significant step in the right direction and underscores the ongoing work of the BMZ. 

Stephan Opitz

Member of Management Commitee, KFW

The Charter and its principles help to seize opportunities and tackle challenges of financing the inclusive and barrier-free mobility transition globally. 

Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh

President, ICLEI & Mayor of Malmö

70 percent of the global emissions stem from urban areas, so work must be done here. Mobility solutions is an important tool for cities to reach their climate goals. I look forward to continue working with just and sustainable solutions to get there.”

Ani Dasgupta

President & CEO , World Resource Institute

This is a fantastic start of the decade for sustainable transport, in particular for the inclusion of popular or informal transport and access for children, women, and disabled people. 

Stan Zurkiewicz

CEO, Dekra

“I am honored to be part of this charter, which represents a powerful commitment to an inclusive and just mobility transition worldwide. Together with all our partners, I look forward to accelerating this transition and making meaningful progress towards innovative and accessible mobility solutions for everyone.”

Diane Holdorf

Executive Vice President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development

I am honored to be part of this and thrilled that justice and inclusivity is at the forefront of the conversation as well as the aspect of equitable access to mobility services.  

Jacob Mason

Senior Director of Research and Impact at ITDP

We are looking forward to using this Charter to guide our work and the work of our partners and are excited to look into a better and just future for everyone. 

Naomi Mwaura

CEO, Flone Initiative

The cocreation process of the charter is impressive and resulted in this special fabric and development of the Charter.

Kalpana Viswanath

CEO, Safetipin

I appreciate the amount of effort to create this collectively. When we work together, we can reach much further. This approach is the only way sustainable change can happen.  

Diana Avalos Morales

Executive Director, AMIVE

This Charter contains all of the valuable elements of a just transition. I believe we need to remember to keep up the work and support the workers because it is not only about decarbonization of transport and cities. It is also about keeping good jobs in the sector. 

Crystal Asige

Senator, Parliament of Kenya

This Charter goes to the heart of natural climate questions, and I hope we look at the document more as a definite of what our environment should become. 

Ingrid Simon

Director, C40 Cities Finance Facility

The Transport sector is the fastest growing area for CO2 emissions in cities and therefore a just transition in mobility is vital. We are looking forward to working with the signatories, partners and supporters to implement the principles of the Charter. 

Cyprine Odada

Executive Director, Critical Mass Nairobi & Women Mobilize Women Ambassador

This Charter is a lifeline for vulnerable road users and offers hope for a future where mobility is a right and not a privilege. 

Stephen Cotton

ITF General Secretary

The International Transport Workers’ Federation, representing 16.5 million transport workers in over 700 trade unions across 150 countries, is delighted to sign on to the Hamburg Charter for Inclusive and Just Mobility. As we look to the future of transport, it is crucial that we work collectively, and the workers who keep our world moving have a critical part to play. The Charter is an important step forward and we look forward to working together to accelerate climate action and deliver climate justice.

​Andre Dzikus

Coordinator, Urban Basic Services, UN-Habitat

Mobility in cities must be a force for equity. Through this charter, we commit to Mobility systems that guarantee freedom, dignity, and access as fundamental rights shared by all – not privileges reserved for the few

Nicolas Peltier-Thiberge

Global Director of Transport, World Bank

Achieving sustainable and inclusive mobility is essential if we want to build a better future. I am delighted to work with the German government and other partners on this critical agenda.

Hamburg Charter for Inclusive and Just Mobility

Transport connects people to opportunities and services, but access is often unequal and unsafe. Elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and parents face barriers, while women experience harassment during commutes. Additionally, 8-10% of the global workforce supports mobility services, often under poor conditions. The Hamburg Charter emphasizes mobility as a fundamental human right in the drive to decarbonize transport.

All Signatories

Reach out to become a signatory as well!

If your organisation is interested in promoting the principles of the Hamburg Charter as well, become a sign

8 Principles

On the following subpages, learn more about the eight principles that make up the Hamburg Charter for Just and Inclusive Mobility. Find materials, events and knowledge products pertaining to each principle.

Principle 1: Equitable and Climate-Friendly Access to Opportunities

Ensuring access to education, work, healthcare, and essential services for all, regardless of background or abilities, is vital. This includes providing safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems, as outlined in SDG 11.2, with a focus on walking, cycling, and public transport. Additionally, urban planning must address climate change impacts on vulnerable communities through inclusive and nature-based solutions.

Round Table – Sustainable Urban Mobility Solutions: Road Safety

The lack of integration between mobility and land-use planning has resulted in unsustainable urban sprawl.

HSC - Round Tables

Peshawar: Building out accessible and inclusive public transport for all

This case study, developed jointly with TUMI and TransPeshawar, analyzes inclusive transport planning efforts guided by strong leadership and policies in the city of Peshawar, Pakistan. These efforts resulted in the city’s shift towards sustainable mobility

TUMI - Publication

iNUA #6: Accessible Urban Mobility

The sixth SUTP iNUA fact sheet focuses on how to promote accessible urban transport for all. Accessible mobility is a core issue for the sustainable and economic development of our cities in the future.

GIZ- Publication

Creating Universal Access to Safe, Clean and Affordable Transport

A Status Report on the Contribution of Sustainable Transport to the Implementation of Rio +20 – This report assesses the implementation of the voluntary commitments entered into at Rio+20. In reaching those commitments, it is particularly important to create transformative change through the Avoid-Shift-Improve approach in order to provide improved and inclusive access to transport services and infrastructure as well as improving the economic, social and environmental sustainability of transport.

SLOCAT - Publication

TTT: Mobility Justice and access to Urban Leisure with Shahin Shakibaei

What is Urban Leisure and how do various public transport users have varying levels of access? Our guest, Shahin Shakibaei, a researcher at Istanbul Technical University, discusses his research into the transgender and gender-diverse experience on public transportation of those living in Istanbul, Turkey.

TTT - Podcast Episode

Equity in action: Shaping climate solutions for all

Aligning equity and climate mitigation priorities is crucial for developing sustainable cities that cater to all residents, especially those who are often left behind. Cities worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of integrating social equity into their climate strategies and actions.

ICLEI - City Talk

Principle 2: Inclusivity in Transport

Involving underrepresented groups, including women, the elderly, children, and people with disabilities, in mobility planning is essential. Efforts must address gender disparities by promoting women’s participation in decision-making roles and eliminating violence and harassment. Additionally, mobility options should support women, particularly as care workers, to enhance their social and economic involvement.

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Round Table – Transforming mobility from inclusion and sustainability in Mexico and Latin America

During three round tables, experts emphasized robust data analysis to combat sexual harassment, integration of gender perspectives into transportation planning, and the implementation of comprehensive measures for equitable access.

HSC - Round Tables

Mobility Justice for All with Lucas Snaije – Talking Transport Transformation

Urban transport planning can be gender-friendly and inclusive – Lucas Snaije from BYCS, an Amsterdam-based NGO for promoting cycling in cities, will show us different initiatives where people’s needs take center stage.

TTT - Podcast Episode

How cities can make public transport inclusive, equitable and accessible for everyone

Successful public transport is essential to reducing urban greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and congestion, and to providing access to jobs, education, and other services and amenities. By addressing gaps and access challenges, cities can increase public transport ridership and maximise associated social, economic and environmental benefits.

C40 - Knowledgehub

Unlocking Gender Differences: Designing inclusive and safe public transport systems

A guidance brief based on the ‘Toolkit for Enabling Gender Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces

World Bank - Publication

Why Inclusive Transport Matters: In Conversation with TransPeshawar

Peshawar, Pakistan received Honorable Mentions in the Sustainable Transport Award program in both 2022 and 2024 for their approach to inclusive, people-centered transport. ITDP interviewed TransPeshawar to gather more in-depth insights into their work.

ITDP - Blog

Disabilty Inclusive Public Transport

The policy brief highlights the importance of inclusive public transport in ensuring that people with all types of disabilities have access to education, employment, healthcare and social contacts, and break the downward spiral of dependency and poverty.

TUMI - Publication

Principle 3: Fair and Dignified Jobs

In the face of global challenges and multiple crises such as climate change, armed conflicts, and pandemics, the Sustainable Development Goals are threatened. In alignment with our commitment to the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda as well as recognizing the imperative for a transformative, equitable, and just transition in the global transport sector.

TTT: A green and just transition for transport workers with Bruono Dobrusin

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) fights to improve working lives and is the voice for nearly 20 million working men and women across the world. Bruno Dobrusin is the just transition coordinator at the ITF. In this episode he gives us insight on the ITF’s work toward a green and just transition.

TTT - Podcast Episode

The Power of Informal Transport Workers

This booklet attempts to draw together some of the lessons learned about the informal transport industry, the issues faced by informal workers, new models and methods in organising, and implications for the trade union movement.

ITF - Publication

Principle 4: Climate-Friendly Mobility Industries and Businesses

Recognizing the urgency of climate action, it is essential to support a green and just transition in transport industries, focusing on climate-friendly, circular value chains and zero-emission systems. Promoting responsible and sustainable business models that prioritize environmental conservation and social responsibility is key.

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Round Table – Accelerating Transport Decarbonisation in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies

The Round Table in Dubai, UAE brought together global leaders to discuss urgent challenges in global transportation, including the transition towards transport decarbonization.

HSC - Round Tables
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Round Table – Sustainable Urban Mobility in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Improving mass public transport and mitigating air pollution measures is a key component in Cameroons sustainable development, a high-level round table concluded.

HSC - Round Tables
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Round Table – Future Cities

This round table talks about cities that create ecological, economic and social added value by implementing networked urban and regional development according to the Cradle to Cradle principle.

HSC - Round Tables

How cities can attract private finance for climate action

Every city needs private funding and investment to close the gap in financing for the climate action required to meet climate targets. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the private sector has the potential to provide 70% to 90% of the total finance required to reach net zero globally.

C40 - Knowledgehub

Principle 5: Accessible and Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Enabling participation through barrier-free infrastructure and applying universal design principles are essential for ensuring accessibility, particularly for underserved communities. Investments should focus on safe, climate-resilient walking, cycling, shared modes, public transport, and rail infrastructure, with a fully functioning disaster management system to address climate challenges.

Transport System Resilience

This report sets out the main disruptions to transport systems worldwide. It explores ways to reduce uncertainty by assessing vulnerabilities, and the main mitigation and adaptation measures required to ensure transport systems function in times of crisis.

ITF - Publication

Access and Persons with Disabilities in Urban Areas

Persons with disabilities make up nearly 15 percent of the global population, and more than half of all people with disabilities live in towns and cities. Yet our cities rarely address mobility needs across the full spectrum of people’s abilities.

ITDP - Publication

Urban Access

Secure universal access by sustainable transport for urban populations by 2030.

SLOCAT - Publication

Moving Toward Climate-Resilient Transport

The World Bank’s Experience from Building Adaptation into Programs

World Bank - Publication

Principle 6: Empowered and Integrated Popular Transport

Recognizing popular transport’s role in mobility, efforts should support its transition to a climate-friendly and socially just sector through consultation, training, and access to finance. Integrating it into urban planning will mitigate job losses and improve conditions for informal workers, ensuring social protection and inclusion in decision-making.

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Round Table – Informal Transport in Peru

With paratransit services booming in Latin America, significant impact on the environment, road safety, and personal security stands as impediments to achieving progress towards the SDGs. In collaboration with GIZ, the Round Table in Lima, Peru, addressed the essential challenges of Informal Transport.

HSC - Round Tables

Principle 7: Promotion of Electric Mobility

Recognizing the potential for green jobs, the electric vehicle industry offers opportunities to create jobs and empower women and marginalized groups. Advocating for electric mobility in public and shared transport, especially electric buses and 2-3-wheelers, can reduce reliance on private cars. Additionally, promoting green public procurement for transport fleets and last-mile logistics leverages the purchasing power of cities and regions.

Electric Mobility

SLOCAT - Publication

The Role of Electric Mobility for Low-Carbon and Sustainable Cities

The use of electric vehicles is rising in many cities around the world, underpinned by the urgent need to reduce levels of air and noise pollution, and tackle the ever-growing energy-related
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from conventionally fuelled vehicles.

UN Habitat - Publication

Circular Economy in Electric Buses

Explore the concept of circular economy in electric buses through the infographic on circular economy in e-bus batteries.

TUMI - Infographic

Building Visibility on Electric Bus Initiatives in Africa

This report from the Africa E-Mobility Alliance (AfEMA), commissioned by the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) E-Bus mission, evaluates the state of electric bus (e-bus) adoption in Africa.

TUMI - Publication

Empowering Equality: The Role of E-Mobility in Fostering Gender Inclusivity and Equity – Talking Transport Transformation

In this podcast episode, we delve into the dynamic realm of e-mobility and its potential to unlock new opportunities for greater gender equity and inclusivity.

TTT - Podcast Episode

Principle 8: Data, Transparency and Planning

Enhancing data collection across all transport modes is essential for better management and decision-making. Addressing data collection challenges, transparency in mobility data, especially gender and demographic-segregated data, is crucial to meeting citizens’ needs. Promoting the development and use of interoperable data systems is key for effective urban and regional planning.

Data portal for cities

Cities around the world are increasingly focused on climate action planning, setting bold targets for the coming years to adapt to and mitigate the impact of climate change. Effective climate action planning starts with compiling a trustworthy greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory, enabling decisionmakers to understand how best to prioritise efforts.

C40 - Knowledgehub

TUMI Data for Sustainable Development

The untapped potential of data to reshape urban mobility is vast. Through a strategic use of mobility data, cities can undergo a digital transformation that promotes climate-friendly practices and improves the overall livability, inclusivity and sustainability of our cities.

TUMI - Publication

Introducing TUMI Data: Empowering Cities Through Data-Driven Solutions

On April 12 and 13, 2023, officials and mobility experts from Latin America gathered in Bogotá for the launch of TUMI Data Hub, focusing on the role of data and technology in public policies for Latin America and the Caribbean.

TUMI Data - Video

In the face of global challenges and multiple crises such as climate change, armed conflicts, and pandemics, the Sustainable Development Goals are threatened. In alignment with our commitment to the Paris Agreement, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda as well as recognizing the imperative for a transformative, equitable, and just transition in the global transport sector, we, the undersigned stakeholders, hereby commit to the principles outlined in this Hamburg Charter for Inclusive and Just Mobility.

Intiated by the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative at the Hamburg Sustainability Conference 2024
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Implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
on behalf of German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

In cooperation with the TUMI Partners