First Lady Rachel Ruto has called on municipal authorities across Africa to promote non-motorized urban mobility to hasten carbon neutrality.
During the launch of the Global Alliance of Cities for Road Safety at the United Nations Habitat assembly in Nairobi, Ruto said that adopting bicycles and scooters is key to reducing city carbon emissions.
She added that non-motorized transport boosts cardiovascular and mental health, eases congestion, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Ruto collaborated with UN agencies to launch the Global Alliance of Cities for Road Safety, which seeks to empower municipal authorities to scale up innovations promoting seamless and carbon-free mobility in metropolises.
She highlighted smart policies and legislation, targeted investments in supportive infrastructure, and awareness as key factors boosting the adoption of green mobility in rapidly growing cities and towns.
The second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly began on Monday under the theme “A sustainable urban future through effective multilateralism: achieving the sustainable development goals in times of global crises.” An estimated 5,000 delegates from 193 UN member states will attend the five-day meeting.
Among its highlights was the First Ladies High-Level Dialogue on “Women Shaping Cities and Communities,” chaired by Ruto.
During this dialogue, she stressed that non-motorized transport combined with sustainable waste management and regeneration of green spaces would be crucial for realizing urban renewal in Africa.
