Emergent + Empowered: Mobilizing Global Popular Transportation Networks for Equity, Health and Climate

Why Popular Transportation Matters

Popular transportation—services such as jeepneys, tuk-tuks, minibuses, and motorcycle taxis—provides essential mobility for millions, particularly in urban areas of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). According to the Global Network for Popular Transportation (GNPT), popular transportation is the privately provided, publicly serving local transportation services and systems that emerge in nearly every city in the Global South. Despite its pivotal role, this sector has long been overlooked in policy, funding, and urban planning. With the challenges of climate change and urbanization accelerating, integrating popular transportation into global climate resilience and sustainable development strategies is critical. The Bellagio convening sought to address this gap, recognizing these systems as vital to achieving social equity, reduced emissions, and economic inclusion.

Key Objectives

1. Develop a Strategic Roadmap: Formulate actionable steps for policy integration, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships to strengthen popular transportation’s impact on global goals.

2. Create a Global Call to Action: Empower popular transportation as a recognized contributor to global agendas addressing climate, equity, and health.

3. Establish a Research Agenda: Support data collection and evidence-building to integrate the sector into policy and practice.

4. Strengthen Network and Community Support: Build a committed network of allies to uplift popular transportation as a cornerstone of sustainable development and climate resilience.

Methodology

The facilitation process was guided by Micelio’s Action Collective Consciousness model and the Theory U process, fostering meaningful collaboration and transformative insights. By using lenses such as Efficiency, Curiosity, Appreciation, Expression, Vitality, and Equanimity, the facilitator helped participants become aware of group dynamics, encouraging them to recognize, embrace, and integrate diverse perspectives. This approach combined structured group activities, introspection, and consensus-building exercises. The stages included:

• Sensing: Exploring the current state of popular transportation and its role in climate action and equity.

• Presencing: Connecting with shared intent and collective purpose.

• Enacting: Transforming insights into actionable plans for future initiatives and partnerships.

Key Practical Components

Structured Agenda and Flow:

Each day’s agenda progressively built on the previous day’s insights, beginning with setting the tone, establishing context, and deepening into strategic pathways for action.

Interactive Group Sessions:

Sessions such as Mapping Opportunities for Action and Visioning the Future were designed to bridge Theory U’s stages with practical applications, allowing participants to identify actionable priorities and set measurable targets. These sessions ensured that insights were not only discussed but transformed into strategic actions.

Reflection and Consensus Building Exercises:

Activities like Finalizing Strategic Initiatives and Building Cohesion facilitated the transition from personal reflection to group alignment. Consensus- building moments helped to consolidate a unified vision for popular transportation and strengthened relationships across the diverse attendee base.

Next Steps for Popular Transportation Transformation

Immediate Actions (3-6 Months)

1. Establish Task Forces: Organize coordination meetings to drive specific pathway actions and maintain focus across stakeholders.
2. Global Call to Action: Launch a campaign to elevate popular transportation's role in climate resilience and equity.
3. Engage Partners: Collaborate with financial institutions and researchers to secure resources for the transportation agenda.

Mid-Term Goals (6-12 Months)

1. Deploy Emission Tracking Tools: Develop tools for measuring emissions and operational efficiency.
2. Investment Facility Partnerships: Work with MDBs and financial bodies to fund sustainable upgrades for SMEs.
3. Expand Research Hub: Build on the PRISM network to formalize a hub focused on evidence-based insights.

Long-Term Vision (1-3 Years)

1. Global Policy Integration: Advocate for the sector’s inclusion in sustainability frameworks like the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.
2. Knowledge Exchange Network: Create a platform to share innovations and best practices across regions.
3. Demonstration Projects: Launch pilots showcasing sustainable and equitable transportation models.

Testimonials

The Emergent + Empowered convening left a profound impact on attendees, fostering a sense of unity and collective purpose. These reflections capture the emotional and intellectual resonance of the event, providing insight into participants’ personal experiences and commitments to the shared vision.

Reflections from the Convening

Participants shared personal commitments to propel the sector forward:

• Advocacy and Awareness: Engaging in public forums like COP29 and NY Climate Week.
• Policy Support: Lobbying for the inclusion of popular transportation in major international frameworks.
• Financial and Operational Support: Establishing funding mechanisms for eco-friendly innovations.

A Call to Action

We invite donors, partners, and advocates to join the mission of empowering popular transportation, broadening the convening’s impact, and fostering deeper collaboration. For engagement opportunities, please contact: [email protected]

This report was funded by the Volvo Research and Educational Foundations (VREF).

For more information, check out PRISM's Resources Section or write us at [email protected].