UN Day Dresden 2026 - "Rethinking mobility"

Ceremony marking United Nations Day (UN Day) 2026, featuring the presentation of the “Dresden Local Agenda Award 2026” on November 5, 2026

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The UN Decade of Sustainable Transport calls for a rethinking of mobility. Transportation systems should become cleaner, safer, more inclusive, and more resilient. In light of growing traffic congestion, rising emissions, limited resources, and the consequences of climate change, a key question arises: How can we create mobility that truly serves people?

New approaches offer great opportunities in this regard. Digital data, agile planning, and public participation open up new ways to better understand mobility needs. Innovations in public transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and shared mobility demonstrate a wide range of solutions. UN Day 2026 brings these approaches to life and provides insights into people-centered planning, climate-friendly logistics, and new forms of mobility. The mobility 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 to 17 specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Coinciding with the launch of the global UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), this year’s UN Day in Dresden, under the theme “Rethinking Mobility,” is dedicated in a targeted manner to SDG 11: “Sustainable Cities and Communities.”

Following opening remarks by Mayor Stephan Kühn, Deputy Mayor for Urban Development, Construction, Transportation, and Real Estate, and Professor Daniel Karthe, the new Director of the UNU Resource Nexus, we cordially invite you to a high-profile panel discussion that promises exciting 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 participants is Burkhard Ehlen, Managing Director of ZVVO and VVO GmbH, who will shed light on the role of public transit as a mediator between passengers, companies, and policymakers.
• In addition, Uta Gensichen, a ver.di union representative and longtime pedestrian advocacy activist, will offer a compelling perspective on everyday, solidarity-based mobility that challenges the car as a status symbol.
• As the mayor responsible for transportation, Stephan Kühn is a key driver of urban infrastructure development. He enriches the panel with a crucial perspective on political feasibility and a long-term vision for Dresden’s mobility of tomorrow.
• Rounding out the panel is Prof. Regina Gerike, Dean of the "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences and spokesperson for the AgiMo Collaborative Research Center, who will contribute scientific insights to the debate.

The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Ostap Okhrin (Vice-Dean of the "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences at TUD Dresden University of Technology and subproject leader in the AgiMo Collaborative Research Center).

Following the panel discussion, the second part of the event will feature the 27th Local Agenda Award ceremony. This ceremony honors local initiatives that contribute to sustainable urban development and are already making it a reality in Dresden. The focus of the Audience Choice Award is “Rethinking Mobility,” so you’ll also have the opportunity to learn about a Dresden-based initiative that has already implemented an innovative approach in this area.

Registration

We look forward to your registration for United Nations Day and the award ceremony for the 27th Local Agenda Prize.

Due to limited seating, we will provide a livestream on the YouTube channel of the State Capital of Dresden. The recording will also be available via the same link after the event.

Program

• Opening remarks by Stephan Kühn (Mayor of the State Capital of Dresden, Deputy Mayor for Urban Development, Construction, Transportation, and Real Estate)
• Opening remarks by Prof. Daniel Karthe (new Director of UNU Resource Nexus)
• Panel discussion with:

  • Prof. Regina Gerike (Dean of the "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, TUD Dresden University of Technology; Spokesperson for the AgiMo Collaborative Research Center)

  • Stephan Kühn (Mayor of the State Capital of Dresden, Deputy Mayor for Urban Development, Construction, Transportation, and Real Estate)
  • Burkhard Ehlen ( Managing Director of ZVVO and VVO GmbH)
  • Uta Gensichen (Union Representative at ver.di)
  • Moderator: Prof. Ostap Okhrin (Vice-Dean of the "Friedrich List" Faculty of Transport and Traffic Sciences, TUD Dresden University of Technology; Subproject Leader for AgiMo: Data-Driven, Agile Planning for Responsible Mobility)
• Presentation of the 27th Local Agenda Award
• Musical accompaniment by the DVB Choir

The event will be held in German and simultaneously interpreted into English.

We look forward to your participation.

Accessibility Note:
The venue is accessible to people with disabilities. You can find more detailed information on the City of Dresden’s accessibility information page. If you need assistance, our staff will be happy to help you on site. If you have any special needs, please let us know when you register—we’ll be happy to assist you.

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Funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) as part of the Collaborative Research Center (SFB/TRR) 408 on data-driven, agile planning for responsible mobility, “AgiMo: Data-driven agile planning for responsible mobility.”