New Mobility Foundation International tackles global mobility poverty

The lack of mobility affects hundreds of millions of people globally. This has an enormous impact on peoples health, chances in the labour market and integration. The New Mobility Foundation International (NMFI) is founded to improve mobility of vulnerable groups worldwide. Thursday 28 November 2019, NMFI board member Steven van Eijck (Royal RAI Association) presented the NMFI at the world conference of the car manufactures association OICA in Mumbai and addressed the attending member countries with a call to action to join the NMFI.

Dutch New Mobility Foundation
The NMFI is the extension of the Dutch New Mobility Foundation (NMF) that was established in November 2016 by the RAI Association, the Major Alliance (MA) and the Noaber Foundation with the aim to improve mobility in the Netherlands. To this effect, the NMF stimulates and supports mobility projects for vulnerable people whose daily life is challenged by a lack of basic transport solutions, such as the elderly, people with a disability, low income or refugee status. These initiatives increase peoples chances in the labour market, enhance integration and improve health. The NMF goals are fully in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 “Good health and well- being” and 11 “Sustainable cities and communities”.

Expanded Internationally
Following the Dutch example, the NMFI aims to spread the philosophy and ambitions of the NMF globally through the national member organizations. For this purpose the NMFI operates as a platform where member states can share best practices and expertise, and generate new knowledge. Contrary to the Dutch example, the NMFI does not financially support projects. Former Prime Minister of the Netherlands and current chair of the Dutch NMF Jan Peter Balkenende, is appointed to also chair the NMFI: “The New Mobility Foundation International is a global testing ground where mobility industry, governments and foundations meet to tackle issue of mobility poverty in different parts of the world.”

NMFI ambassador and former Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) Erik Jonnaert: “By supporting innovative initiatives that tackle mobility poverty worldwide, we aim to provide more opportunities in the field of health, education, employment and leisure for these citizens and align with the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Steven van Eijck, NMFI board member and chairman of Royal RAI Association: “A 100% Inclusive society requires a society in which mobility is accessible for all and New Mobility Foundation International uses the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing and new technology to achieve that.”