The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport calls for a rethink of mobility. Transport systems should become cleaner, safer, more inclusive and more resilient. In the face of growing traffic congestion, rising emissions, limited resources and the consequences of climate change, one key question arises: how can we create mobility that truly serves people’s needs?
New approaches offer great opportunities in this regard. Digital data, agile planning and public participation open up new ways of understanding mobility needs more accurately. Innovations in public transport, cycle paths and footpaths, as well as in shared mobility, demonstrate a wide range of solutions. UN Day 2026 brings these approaches to life and provides insights into people-centred planning, climate-friendly logistics and new forms of mobility. The transport transition requires not only a technical or political shift in thinking, but also a cultural one.
With the 2030 Agenda, the Member States of the United Nations have committed themselves to 17 specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To coincide with the launch of the global UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), this year’s UN Day in Dresden, under the title ‘Rethinking Mobility’, is specifically dedicated to SDG 11: ‘Sustainable cities and communities’.
Following opening remarks by Mayor Stephan Kühn, Councillor for Urban Development, Construction, Transport and Property, and by Professor Daniel Karthe, the new Director of the UNU Resource Nexus, we cordially invite you to a high-profile panel discussion that promises to offer fascinating insights and diverse perspectives on the future of mobility. Renowned experts from academia, the professional sector and politics will discuss current challenges and innovative solutions.
- Among the speakers is Burkhard Ehlen, Managing Director of ZVVO and VVO GmbH, who will shed light on the role of public transport as a mediator between passengers, businesses and policymakers.
- In addition, Uta Gensichen, a ver.di trade unionist and long-standing pedestrian rights activist, will offer a fascinating perspective on everyday, solidarity-based mobility that challenges the car as a status symbol.
- As the city’s mayor responsible for transport, Stephan Kühn is playing a key role in driving the development of urban infrastructure. He enriches the panel with the crucial perspective of political feasibility and a long-term vision for Dresden’s mobility of tomorrow.
- The panel will be joined by Prof. Regina Gerike, Dean of the ‘Friedrich List’ Faculty of Transport Sciences and spokesperson for the AgiMo Collaborative Research Centre, who will contribute academic insights to the debate.
The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Ostap Okhrin (Vice-Dean of the ‘Friedrich List’ Faculty of Transport Sciences, Dresden University of Technology, and sub-project leader within the AgiMo Collaborative Research Centre).
Following the panel discussion, the second part of the event will feature the 27th Local Agenda Awards ceremony. This will honour local initiatives that contribute to sustainable urban development and are already bringing this to life in Dresden. The focus for the People’s Choice Award is on the theme of ‘Rethinking Mobility’, so you will also have the opportunity to learn about a Dresden-based initiative with an existing innovative approach in this area.
Registration
We look forward to receiving your registration for United Nations Day and the award ceremony for the 27th Local Agenda Prize.
Date | Thursday, 5 November 2026 |
Venue | Dresden (the exact location will be announced at a later date)We recommend travelling by public transport. |
Time | Doors open: from 5.00 pm |
Registration | Advance registration is required to attend the event in person. Registration opens on 15 September 2026 via: https://tu-dresden.de/bu/der-bereich/un-tag-dresden-2026/registration-un-day-dresden-2026 |
Due to limited seating, we will be providing a live stream on the YouTube channel of the State Capital of Dresden. The recording will also be available via the same link after the event.
Programme
- Opening address by Stephan Kühn (Mayor of the State Capital of Dresden, Councillor for Urban Development, Construction, Transport and Property)
- Welcome address by Prof. Daniel Karthe (Director of the UNU Resource Nexus)
- Panel discussion with:
- Prof. Regina Gerike (Dean of the "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, Dresden University of Technology, Spokesperson for SFB/TRR408 AgiMo)
- Stephan Kühn (Mayor of the State Capital of Dresden, Councillor for Urban Development, Construction, Transport and Property)
- Burkhard Ehlen (Managing Director of ZVVO and VVO GmbH)
- Uta Gensichen (trade unionist at ver.di)
- Moderator: Prof. Ostap Okhrin (Vice-Dean of the ‘Friedrich List’ Faculty of Transport Sciences, Dresden University of Technology; sub-project leader for AgiMo: data-driven, agile planning for responsible mobility)
- Presentation of the 27th Local Agenda Award
- Musical accompaniment by the DVB Choir
- Reception with drinks and light refreshments
The event will be held in German and simultaneously interpreted into English.
We look forward to your attendance.
Accessibility information:
The Stadtforum is accessible to all. You can find more detailed information on the City of Dresden’s accessibility information page. If you require assistance, our staff will be happy to help you on the day. If you have any special requirements, please let us know when you register – we will be happy to assist you.
