The Asian Transport Observatory has released The Pacific Baseline: Transport and the Decade of Sustainable Transport, a new regional report examining the starting point for sustainable transport across 14 Pacific island countries at the outset of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035.

For Pacific island countries, transport is not simply about moving people and goods. It is about whether communities can reach schools, health services, markets, ports, airports, and economic opportunities. It is also about resilience: keeping countries connected when climate events, fuel price shocks, route disruptions, or service interruptions occur.

The report monitors more than 40 indicators across key areas aligned with the Decade of Sustainable Transport, including access for all, sustainable connectivity and logistics, low- and zero-carbon transport, climate resilience, urban mobility, safety, innovation, and transport finance. It also highlights where conventional transport indicators need to be supplemented with Pacific-relevant measures, particularly for maritime and aviation connectivity, population dispersion, and access to essential services.

The findings show that the Pacific faces a distinct set of transport challenges. Rural access remains uneven, urban public transport coverage is limited in many cities, shipping and aviation connectivity are constrained by small markets and long distances, and transport systems remain highly dependent on imported fossil fuels. Climate risks are also significant, with roads and ports among the most exposed transport assets in several countries.

At the same time, the report identifies important areas for action. Improving access, strengthening regional connectivity, reducing exposure to fuel price shocks, investing in resilient infrastructure, planning people-centered urban mobility, and improving the availability of transport data will all be important for the Pacific during the Decade.

The report was prepared by the Asian Transport Observatory with support from the Asian Development Bank, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and The World Bank.

Read the report:
The Pacific Baseline: Transport and the Decade of Sustainable Transport