Introduction
Mobility is a fundamental necessity of 21st century living and brings access to jobs, markets, education, health care and other primary services and leisure. But mobility can no longer be defined uniquely by transport. Today, the choice of individual, collective, physical or virtual mobility options is both complex and confusing and the differences in local, national and global conditions compound this.

Current mobility patterns are unsustainable
It is clear that current patterns of provision and consumption of mobility are not sustainable. It is a paradox of our supremely functional modern world that amenities supposed to connect us together, in fact, more often separate us.

This is particularly visible in urban situations, as cities all over the world suffer from high levels of traffic related congestion, pollution and the degradation of communities and social dysfunction.

However, no one mode can satisfy all the urban transport needs either today or in the future. Therefore a balance must be struck between collective and individual transport, taking into account economic, environmental and societal issues in order for any level of sustainable development to be achieved.

Cities and transport have yet to find a modus vivendi.
Adequately addressing the highly complex challenges of sustainable mobility depends on the co-ordination of all stakeholders, as well as, integrating environmental, societal and economic concerns in core decision-making supported by an enabling policy framework. UITP is addressing this challenge with its advocacy programme, regional workshops and other actions.