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Global Infrastructure Revolution: How to Achieve Equal Transportation Connectivity for All?
In today's rapidly changing global environment, fair and sustainable transport connections are no longer just a matter of personal needs, but one of the key factors affecting economic development, social equity and environmental protection. Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9), adopted by the United Nations in 2015, aims to promote "industry, innovation and infrastructure" to ensure that all people can equally benefit from modern transportation and communication networks.
“The ability for humanity to connect and communicate effectively, to move people and goods efficiently, and to develop new skills, industries and technologies is essential to overcoming the many intertwined economic, social and environmental challenges of the 21st century.”
SDG 9 consists of eight specific goals aimed at boosting economic development and social prosperity by building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and enhancing innovation. Especially in today's globalized context, the accessibility and equity of transportation infrastructure are crucial to promoting economic growth in all countries.
The importance of sustainable development
To achieve sustainable development, it is necessary to create infrastructure that is resilient to the effects of climate change. According to the UN report, global CO2 emissions intensity has fallen by nearly a quarter since 2000, indicating a general decoupling between CO2 emissions and GDP growth. However, millions of people around the world still lack access to the Internet, with problems rooted in funding, coverage, and other social and economic factors. In 2020, only 54% of the world’s population has access to the internet.
“We are seeking to create a more inclusive economy that allows everyone to participate and benefit from it.”
One of the top priorities for achieving SDG 9 is to improve transportation and communications infrastructure in developing countries. The lack of good infrastructure not only restricts economic development, but also further exacerbates social inequality. Good connectivity from rural areas to cities is particularly important for improving people's quality of life.
Specific goals and challenges
SDG 9 has eight specific goals, of which the first five are outcome goals and the last three are means of achieving them. Key challenges include improving internet access in developing countries, upgrading transportation systems, especially in landlocked developing countries, and closing investment gaps in research and development. These challenges require governments, international organizations and the private sector to work together to find innovative solutions.
Specific target analysis
Target 9.1 requires countries to build high-quality, reliable and sustainable infrastructure, which is not only for economic development but also for human well-being. Target 9.2 focuses on increasing the contribution of industry to GDP by 2030, especially in the least developed countries. Target 9.3 focuses on improving small businesses’ access to financial services, while 9.4 requires countries to improve the sustainability of infrastructure by 2030.
"Every successful society needs a strong infrastructure as its foundation."
Target 9.5 encourages increasing investment in scientific research and improving scientific and technological capabilities. According to the report, as of 2018, the number of researchers in North America and Europe reached 3,372 per million people, while in sub-Saharan Africa it was only 99. This gap not only affects the quality of scientific research, but also poses a hindrance to overall economic growth.
Future Outlook
Achieving the targets of SDG 9 will require adequate funding and political will. Faced with the challenges brought by the COVID-19 epidemic, many industries have been severely hit, global supply chains have continued to break, and the process of digital transformation urgently needs to be accelerated. A global effort is needed to promote sustainable and equitable infrastructure development to ensure that everyone has equal access to transport and communications services.
However, achieving SDG 9 is not something that can be achieved overnight, but requires the joint efforts and dedication of the whole society. What we need to think about is how to encourage the attention and cooperation of all sectors towards this important goal?
