As cities around the world continue to urbanise rapidly, they are increasingly confronted with urban mobility challenges, notably with traffic congestion, air pollution and high rates of road traffic injuries and fatalities. The transport sector is also a major contributor to global energy-related carbon emissions. In this context, an integrated approach that combines efficient public transport systems—such as buses, trams and metros—with non-motorized mobility options such as walking and cycling is increasingly recognized as an effective way to address growing urban transport pressures while meeting people’s mobility needs.
Against this backdrop, this project is a collaborative initiative led by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), implemented in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), to advance sustainable urban mobility planning. Working with the cities of Almaty and Bishkek in Central Asia, and Chisinau, Kragujevac and Vushtrri in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, the project aims to support the development of sustainable, long-term investment strategies that enhance accessibility and connectivity for all, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and road traffic fatalities.
Rapid urbanisation in South-Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia is creating significant mobility challenges, including traffic congestion, rising air pollution, inefficient energy use and high rates of road traffic incidents. Transport sector is also a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, undermining both local air quality and global climate goals. These trends directly affect economic productivity, public health and the overall livability of cities.
The MoveSafe+ initiative responds to these challenges by promoting sustainable urban mobility solutions—such as efficient public transport, walking and cycling—enhancing road safety and supporting long-term, low-carbon transport strategies. These priorities align closely with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular SDG 11.2, by advancing safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, especially through improved public transport and inclusive mobility planning; SDG 7.3, by improving energy efficiency through a shift away from private cars towards cleaner, more efficient modes; SDG 13.2, by integrating climate action into national and local planning via low-carbon mobility strategies; and SDG 9.1, by supporting sustainable and resilient infrastructure through well-planned public transport and non-motorised mobility networks.
By addressing these interconnected challenges, the project contributes to safer, healthier, more inclusive and climate-resilient cities, fully in line with the 2030 Agenda’s vision of sustainable urban development.
The project supports five cities Almaty, Bishkek, Chisinau, Kragujevac and Vushtrri — in advancing sustainable urban mobility through interventions tailored to their specific local priorities.
Almaty will focus on improving road safety through better integration of road safety datasets and community behavior by piloting tactical urbanism intervention proposals. Bishkek will strengthen mobility data systems, infrastructure and institutional capacity to support the preparation of a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) aligned with the Urban Plan, integrating public transport prioritization, with an emphasis on non-motorized transport parking and demand management, road safety and accessibility to mobility services.
Chisinau will enhance its existing SUMP implementation through stakeholder engagements to support institutionalization and update mobility datasets, aligning SUMP indicators more closely with the General Urban Plan. Kragujevac and Vushtrri, for their part will undertake full SUMP development supported by comprehensive data assessment and collection as well as participatory planning aligned with EU requirements.
The ongoing project activities in all five cities are opening clear opportunities for future engagement, particularly in advancing full SUMP preparation, expanding stakeholder participation processes, and strengthening institutional capacity for data-driven mobility planning. As data gaps are addressed and technical tools are developed, cities are well positioned for follow-up support, including deeper analytical studies, development of monitoring framework and scaling of pilot interventions, especially in areas such as active mobility, traffic management and road safety. These foundations create strong potential for longer-term partnerships with municipalities to further develop and implement sustainable urban mobility measures, with cities increasingly equipped to carry out stakeholder and participatory activities essential for effective SUMP implementation.
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Palais des Nations, Geneva
