Building capacities of developing countries to shift towards sustainable freight transport

Sustainable freight transport (SFT) refers to reliable, efficient, cost-effective, environmentally-friendly, low-carbon, and climate resilient transport systems.

SFT incorporates improvements of transport and energy efficiency, accessibility and connectivity, while at the same time minimizing the negative environmental impact of freight transportation and improving social inclusiveness.

The concept of SFT reconciles growth imperatives with environmental sustainability and climate friendliness, by mainstreaming sustainability criteria into freight transport planning, policies and decisions.

The Project targeted policymakers (in transport, infrastructure and finance), transport operators (in rail, road, and ports) and key financial institutions (development banks). Geographically, UNCTAD covered primarily one region in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean.