United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has backed IRU’s call to keep goods moving smoothly across borders during the pandemic. Stressing road transport’s key role as a backbone of international supply chains and trade, he also said the industry’s work was crucial in attaining the global Sustainable Development Goals.
Writing to IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto in response to IRU’s COVID-19 Call to Action, António Guterres noted the severe impact of the pandemic on road transport operators, adding that IRU’s research on this will help inform the UN’s analytical work.
The UN chief went on to thank IRU for its continuous efforts to promote sustainable transport globally, including by urging countries to keep their borders open during the trying times of the pandemic, especially for goods and essentials.
“For more than 70 years IRU has fought for open and efficient borders, and this is now more important than ever,” said IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto. “I welcome the UN Secretary General’s support for our industry’s crucial work and for voicing our shared concern to governments to keep goods moving during the pandemic.”
Many other international bodies, including major financial institutions and UN organisations, have also written to IRU responding to the COVID-19 call to action. Governments should heed this endorsement and take action.