New guidance on safe and inclusive road design published for road engineers and infrastructure designers in Central Asia
On 26 June 2025, our collaboration between UNESCAP, iRAP, EASST and the International Road Federation (IRF) to review and improve local road geometrical design standards for safer and more inclusive roads across Central Asia drew to a close with a final workshop in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The event also marked the launch of a new suite of road safety design guidance for road infrastructure designers across Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Over the past 18 months, since the project’s launch in March 2024, partners have carried out a stepped process including kick‑off missions to each pilot country, a stakeholder consultation in Tashkent in November 2024, a three‑session technical training series for 70 engineers and practitioners in May 2025, and preparatory workshops that informed the suite of guidance now being released.
The concluding workshop in Tashkent on 26 June was opened by the Deputy Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Mr Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, both of whom celebrated the creation of the new resource package, which includes:
- A full project report of our approach and methodology, including details of existing GOST-SNiP design standards in each country.
- Results of iRAP star rating assessments at standard cross sections in the region.
- Tailored road safety design guidance, based on international best practice, for each pilot country (Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan).
- Safer road design guidance graphics.
The guidance has been developed in close cooperation with national stakeholders and with input from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) and European Investment Bank (EIB) - with financial support provided by the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF). The aim of these resources is not to replace existing standards but to supplement them and offer valuable guidance to road engineers and other stakeholders on how to incorporate evidence-based safety measures derived from international best practice into future road projects.
In particular, the guidance emphasises the importance of early intervention into the project planning process, especially during feasibility studies, to reduce the risks that can lead to serious crashes, injuries, and deaths. It promotes a Safe System Approach, which recognises that road users, as human beings, can make mistakes, and that those mistakes should not cost lives or result in serious injury. The approach calls for road design that mitigates risk, especially for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists, and children.
Safe road design is not only lifesaving but also cost-effective. It helps to avoid the economic losses incurred by countries due to road crashes with early intervention also serving as a mechanism to avoid costly mistakes in the road development process. The guidance for each country covers key areas including: a review of existing national standards; practical design solutions based on road safety design principles such as lower speeds and forgiving infrastructure; detailed guidance on specific design elements and the role they play in mitigating risk; and why consultation and stakeholder engagement is a vital part of the design process.
Speaking at the workshop, Julio Urzua, iRAP's Strategic Projects Director said, “One of the most important aspects of the project has been its collaborative approach, as the focus has been on three countries that use the GOST-SNiP design standards in Central Asia. As a result of the project, those countries now have a Road Safety Design Guidance, which will help road designers to improve the safety conditions of the road designs. In addition to this Guidance, the project produced an iRAP tar Rating Assessment Results of Standard Cross Sections, which will be a very valuable document for those designers who want to assess the risk of death and serious injury in the current design standards using the iRAP methodology of Star Ratings, based on the features of the road and the degree to which they impact on the likelihood and severity of crashes.”
Julia Funk, Programme Manager and Head of Statistics at the IRF commented, “At the International Road Federation, we believe that no one should lose their life or health due to preventable road design flaws. This project reinforces our commitment to advancing safer infrastructure by supporting countries to integrate evidence-based, people-centred design into national practices. The resources developed are the result of genuine collaboration and mark a concrete step toward making roads across Central Asia safer and more inclusive.”
While Emma MacLennan, Director General of EASST said, “Improving road engineering design standards is not just a paper exercise. Across all three pilot projects EASST and our local partners have implemented pilot pedestrian infrastructure upgrades with tremendous impact – including huge reductions in road crashes. These interventions really do save lives and make cities more liveable. Now, with the new guidance being launched today, we look forward to seeing these small pilots become the norm. The guides we have produced are practical and user-friendly, designed to sit alongside existing standards. Road engineers and designers should take these guides as a fundamental resource on which all design decisions are based. If this happens, we will have succeeded.”
By implementing and updating national road design standards in line with international standards such as the UN Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and CAREC’s Safely Connected: A Regional Road Safety Strategy, our aim is to minimise road traffic fatalities and injuries through safer road infrastructure. And we hope that the pilots in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan that have been a focus of this project will scale up to have CAREC-wide implications.
The issue of safety, as well as the ability to ensure the accessibility of the road for all users, including motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and people with limited mobility, should be prioritised during the design of new roads and existing road upgrades. Stakeholder engagement, integration of international safety measures and capacity building activities will support the effective implementation of updated standards and result in continued improvement of road infrastructure planning and design in Central Asia.
To download the Resource Package in English and Russian, visit https://www.gtkp.com/themepage/road-safety/safe-and-inclusive-road-designs-in-central-asia/
MOBILITIES FOR EU Holds 4th General Assembly in Gdańsk, Poland
Gdańsk, Poland – 12 June 2025 – The MOBILITIES FOR EU consortium gathered for its 4th General Assembly in the vibrant coastal city of Gdańsk from 11 to 12 June. Over the course of the two days, all project partners, including the International Road Federation (IRF), convened to share progress updates, discuss upcoming milestones, and explore new ideas for shaping the future of sustainable and inclusive urban mobility across Europe.
The meeting featured detailed presentations from each partner on the current status of their activities and included a series of engaging workshops focused on topics ranging from urban logistics to user engagement and smart infrastructure between the different pilots and cities.
Open Day at Olivia Centre Engages Citizens in the Future of Urban Mobility
A special highlight of the event was the Open Day at the Olivia Centre, one of the project’s demonstration sites in Gdańsk. Citizens were invited to visit a co-working space inside the centre, where they had the opportunity to meet with project partners, ask questions, and learn more about the innovations being piloted in their city and the other cities of the project. The Olivia Centre is a central location for mobility testing within the project, and the event allowed for open dialogue between the consortium and local residents.
The Open Day also featured a guided tour through the Olivia Area demo site, where project partners could see firsthand how new mobility solutions will be integrated into the urban environment.
Succession at the Helm of the IRF
Geneva, 21 March 2025
After 18 years of dedicated leadership, the International Road Federation (IRF) announces the departure of its Director General, Susanna Zammataro as she embarks on a new chapter in her career. Mrs Zammataro will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), a long-standing partner of the IRF. In line with IRF’s on-going strategy, Gonzalo Alcaraz, the current IRF Deputy Director General, has been appointed to lead the organisation and continue its mission of advancing sustainable and inclusive mobility.
“It has been an immense privilege to serve the IRF” said Mrs Zammataro. “I am incredibly proud of all that we have achieved together. As I step into my new role at FIDIC, I do so with confidence, knowing that the Federation is in excellent hands and well-positioned to achieve its future goals. I look forward to further strengthening the bonds between our organisations in my new capacity.” She continued, “Over the years, we have not only built a robust network of members and partners, but also a close-knit IRF family. I feel truly blessed to have contributed to this remarkable community and to be part of it.”
Dimitris Mandalozis, President of the IRF, expressed his deep gratitude on behalf of the IRF Board of Directors and the IRF members: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to Susanna for her outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the Federation. Under her stewardship, the IRF has grown in relevance, impact, and global reach. She has firmly established the IRF as a key player in the global transport sector.” Mandalozis added, “We wish Susanna every success in her new role and extend our congratulations to FIDIC. Her appointment is a testament to the strong connection between our organisations, and it opens up exciting new opportunities for collaboration in the pursuit of sustainable infrastructure and mobility solutions.”
In accordance with IRF's established procedures, Mr Gonzalo Alcaraz will assume the role of Acting Director General on 1 May 2025, until his formal appointment by the IRF Board of Directors later in the year. Mrs Zammataro will continue to serve as an Advisor to the IRF Board of Directors. This leadership transition builds upon a solid foundation, ensuring continuity while positioning the IRF for continued success in the future.
The IRF remains deeply committed to its mission of empowering mobility worldwide and looks forward to continued engagement with its partners, members, and stakeholders to deliver on its vision of safe, reliable, and sustainable mobility for everyone.
IRF and NTRO Partner to Deliver Training and Accreditation for Road Safety Auditors in Australia and New Zealand
On the occasion of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety being hosted this week in Marrakech (Morocco), the International Road Federation (IRF) and the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) have announced a partnership to deliver training and accreditation for road safety auditors in Australia and New Zealand. In response to the growing need for high-quality road safety audits, this partnership will enable professionals trained by NTRO to gain international accreditation and be listed in the IRF International Registry of Road Safety Auditors.
Launched in October 2024 with the support of TotalEnergies, the IRF International Registry of Road Safety Auditors aims to establish a global standard for the training and accreditation of road safety auditors. The registry sets clear, internationally recognised certification standards to ensure consistency and quality in road safety audits worldwide. This initiative enhances transparency and ensures that auditors meet stringent professional qualifications on a global scale.
“Following the partnership with the UK Society of Road Safety Auditors (SoRSA) and with Spanish Association of Road Safety Auditors (ASEVI), this new partnership is another important step forward in our global efforts to ensure high-quality road safety audits that ultimately will result in safer roads for everyone” said Susanna Zammataro, IRF Director General.
Michael Caltabiano, Chief Executive Officer of NTRO expressed "This partnership with the IRF underscores our commitment to advancing road safety in Australia and beyond. By aligning our training programmes with the IRF’s international accreditation framework, we are equipping road safety professionals with the skills needed to make a tangible difference in reducing road trauma and in saving lives.”
As a globally recognised leader in road safety, the IRF brings over seven decades of experience in supporting governments and organisations in training and certifying road safety auditors. With its extensive network spanning all continents, the IRF is well-positioned to support global efforts aimed at preventing road crashes and saving thousands of lives.
About NTRO
The National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) is Australia's leading authority on transport research, dedicated to advancing road safety, infrastructure, and sustainable mobility solutions. With over 60 years of experience, NTRO collaborates with government, industry, and academia to develop innovative strategies and practical solutions across all modes of transport, including roads, rail, ports, and airports. Their mission is to lead the world in innovative transport solutions, enabling safer, more resilient, and prosperous communities.
www.ntro.org.au
iEXODDUS Project kicks off, driving innovation in CCAM technologies
As the automotive industry moves towards a future of self-driving vehicles, the iEXODDUS project aims to address current limitations and push the boundaries of what autonomous vehicles can achieve.
IRF is proud to contribute to this project, supporting its standardisation, exploitation, and dissemination activities. As part of its role, IRF is reviewing relevant standards and regulations to ensure alignment with the evolving CCAM landscape. Additionally, IRF is collaborating with project partners to refine use cases and define system and interface requirements, helping to shape innovative and interoperable solutions for automated mobility.
Coordinated by Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH, the EU-funded project focuses on advancing autonomous vehicle technology and expanding the capabilities of Operational Design Domains (ODDs) for automated driving systems, enhancing autonomous vehicle performance in complex scenarios such as roadworks and tunnels, improving traffic safety, and reducing environmental impact.
Graz (Austria), 23.01.2025 – The rapid advancement of autonomous vehicle technology promises enhanced efficiency and safety in transportation. However, operational constraints within Operational Design Domains (ODDs), including issues in sensing, behaviour prediction, and reliability, limit the potential of automated vehicles.
iEXODDUS improves connected and automated mobility
An ODD is fundamental for the safety of connected and automated mobility (CCAM). It describes the specific operating conditions under which CCAM can be used safely. Expanding the ODD framework is critical to enable these vehicles to navigate challenging scenarios such as construction zones, unmarked roads, and adverse weather conditions. This expansion involves robust perception and decision-making algorithms, reducing the need for human intervention and facilitating integration with human-driven vehicles.
While the benefits are substantial, challenges such as data collection, sensor technology, and regulatory frameworks must be addressed through interdisciplinary collaboration. iEXODDUS combines the expertise of 14 research partners to address these challenges.
iEXODDUS drives innovation in CCAM technologies
iEXODDUS meticulously assesses existing ODDs to unveil limitations and areas for improvement, fostering a deep understanding of ODD challenges and opportunities. This analysis serves as the foundation for a framework to assess and categorize ODDs across diverse automated driving scenarios. A key focus area is the enhancement of sensor technologies and perception capabilities through cutting-edge data fusion methods, expanding ODDs beyond current limits while considering environmental factors such as weather conditions and road infrastructure.
iEXODDUS envisions autonomous vehicles travelling across Europe, resolving harmonization and legal issues, and making policy recommendations. Collaboration with industry stakeholders and aiming for real-world demonstrations will enable an industry-tailored approach towards automated driving systems with extended ODDs.
Key Benefits of the iEXODDUS project
• Extended ODD and Seamless Automated Mobility: Enhances autonomous vehicle performance in complex scenarios such as road works, tunnels, and incident zones, reducing human interven-tion and errors.
• Improved Traffic Safety and Flow: Reduces accidents and enhances road safety through better perception, decision-making, and smoother traffic flow, minimizing congestion.
• Environmental Impact: Lowers emissions and fuel consumption by optimizing traffic manage-ment and enabling eco-driving.
Digital Twins and Infrastructure Support: Uses digital twins for real-time data integration, im-proving traffic management and helping infrastructure operators manage safer and more efficient roadwork zones.
• Standardization and Interoperability: Contributes to the development of standardized, interop-erable CCAM technologies, supporting the broader European transport ecosystem.
Virtual Vehicle Research GmbH
Wolfgang Wachmann
Marketing & Communications
Tel: +43 316 873 9005
E-Mail: wolfgang.wachmann@v2c2.at
iEXODDUS
Selim Solmaz
Head of Control Systems Group, VIRTUAL VEHICLE E-Mail: selim.solmaz@v2c2.at
Senegal launches Ten-Step Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure
The Republic of Senegal officially launched “Senegal’s Ten-Step Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure” Project last Thursday in Dakar. The event, which brought together the main national and international road safety stakeholders, marks a strong commitment by the country to drastically reduce the number of crashes and deaths and injuries on its roads.
The implementation of the Ten Step Plan will be overseen by a Steering Committee comprised of key road safety organisations in Senegal. The Committee, whose inaugural meeting was held on January 22, on the eve of the Project Kick-off Workshop, will ensure effective coordination and monitoring of progress.
The three-year project is the result of collaboration between the Government of Senegal and national and international partners to strengthen institutional capacity and investments for safer roads in the country – with the aim of improving existing and future roads to achieve a three-star or higher safety standard for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and vehicle occupants.
The Ten Step Senegal Project, funded by the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), is a collaborative initiative involving the Government of Senegal through the Ministry of Infrastructure, Land, and Air Transport (MITTA) and National Road Agency ANASER, alongside a consortium led by the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) and including the International Road Federation (IRF), PIARC (World Road Association) and LASER International, with support from the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) and FIA Foundation.
The World Health Organization estimates that road crashes claim more than 3,500 lives every year in Senegal, and result in over 40,000 more injuries, with a national economic burden of US $1.4 billion. National data shows road crashes are the leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24, and the second leading cause among 25-39 year-olds, after AIDS.
Senegal is only the second country in the Africa to use the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC) Ten Steps approach, following its award-winning implementation in Tanzania. The Ten Step Plan framework has been produced by the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration (UNRSC) partners to support countries seeking to implement initiatives in relation to the “improved safety of road infrastructure and broader transport networks”, the UN Convention on Road Traffic and Road Signs and Signals, and the achievement of UN Member States agreed Global Targets 3 and 4 for safer new and existing roads.
“We are proud to see Senegal embracing the Ten Step approach which has proven to be so effective in instituting an evidence-based framework for action that saves lives,” commented Susanna Zammataro, Director General at the International Road Federation (IRF). “The sector has the tools to design and build safer roads, but these must be more widely known and implemented. It is about making meaningful decisions that will save thousands of lives,” she added.
Victoria Sheehan Awarded IRF Personality of the Year 2024
The IRF Board of Directors has bestowed the prestigious IRF Personality of the Year Award on Victoria Sheehan, Executive Director of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (USA).
The Personality of the Year Award has been conferred since 1951 to recognise eminent professionals with an outstanding track record of leadership and commitment to the transport sector. Over the years, the award has distinguished some of the world’s most influential leaders for the impact that their work has had in supporting the development of safer and more sustainable transport networks that leave no-one behind.
“Victoria truly embodies the values that guide and inspire the work of our Federation: pragmatism, optimism, and a profound commitment to working in partnership with others to advance innovation and impact” commented Dimitris Mandalozis, President of the International Road Federation. “Her work has greatly helped foster collaboration across government agencies, the private sector, and academic institutions worldwide, thereby improving transportation systems both in the U.S. and globally. This accolade crowns an exceptional career and recognises her important contribution as a thought leader” he added.
Thanking the IRF for this recognition, Victoria Sheehan said: "I'm honoured and humbled to receive such a prestigious award. IRF and TRB have a strong partnership, with both organisations advocating for transportation solutions that provide access and sustainable mobility for all. Since joining TRB in 2022, I have enjoyed collaborating with IRF and have welcomed the opportunities to expose their membership to the work of TRB.”
Victoria Sheehan, a Structural Engineer with a master’s degree from the University of Edinburgh, has dedicated her career to advancing sustainable transport systems. At the Massachusetts DOT, she led strategic planning, highway performance, and the $3 billion Accelerated Bridge Program. Later, as head of the New Hampshire DOT, she developed its Ten-Year Plan for sustainable transport. In 2020–2021, Sheehan became the second woman to serve as President of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) in its 108-year history. Mrs Sheehan also plays an active role as board member in several key organisations in the sector
An International Registry for Road Safety Auditors Launched at the IRF World Congress 2024
Aiming at establishing a global standard for the training and accreditation of road safety auditors, the International Road Federation (IRF) has launched today an International Registry for Road Safety Auditors - thanks to the support of TotalEnergies – in the margins of the IRF World Congress 2024 being hosted this week in Istanbul.
As a globally recognised leader in road safety, the IRF has over seven decades of experience supporting governments and organisations in training and certifying road safety auditors. With its worldwide network spanning all continents, the IRF is well-positioned to support global efforts aiming at preventing road crashes thus saving thousands of lives.
In response to the growing need for high-quality road safety audits – especially in projects being financed by the multilateral development banks (MDBs) – the new registry aims to establish clear, internationally recognised certification standards that ensure consistency and quality across road safety audits globally. This will enhance transparency and ensure that auditors meet strict professional qualifications globally. The registry will serve as an easily accessible source for MDBs, governments and anyone else willing to identify and select qualified road safety auditors for infrastructure projects, ultimately improving the quality of audits and road safety outcomes.
The registry is part of a three-year project supported by TotalEnergies that includes the delivery of a comprehensive training and certification programme in three countries. Training programmes have been staged in Tanzania and Uganda earlier this year. Trainings in India are scheduled to follow in November 2024. “This registry is a game-changer for global road safety,” said Dimitris Mandalozis, President of the International Road Federation. “By setting clear, international criteria for certification, we are not only improving audit quality but also providing a crucial resource for governments and organisations committed to safer roads.”
The International Registry of Road Safety Auditors will operate as a digital platform managed by the IRF. Auditors can apply through a comprehensive yet accessible process, that screens, verify and records their qualifications, certifications, and experience before allowing listing on the registry. MDBs, governments, and other stakeholders will be able to access the registry to identify qualified auditors and/or verify their credentials.
“We believe this initiative will not only improve transparency in accreditation but also open new opportunities for local young engineers, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The initiative is meant to give also a boost to the creation of national accreditation bodies for road safety auditors, thus nurturing a culture of safe road infrastructure and a more stringent application of road safety audit requirements worldwide” added Mandalozis.
“Our commitment to road safety is unwavering and that is why we are pleased to support this initiative. We believe that a true spirit of collaboration, of innovation, and proactive measures, are the recipe that will allow us to significantly reduce road traffic deaths and injuries” said Jacques-Emmanuel Saulnier, General Delegate of the TotalEnergies Corporate Foundation speaking at the launch event. “We need to involve and empower the younger generations. It is our duty but also the only successful way forward. Together, we can create a safer, more sustainable future for all” he concluded.
By the end of the three-year project, it is expected that an initial 450 accredited auditors will be recorded in the registry.
The International Road Federation (IRF) and the Asian Transport Outlook (ATO) Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Advance Sustainable Transport Solutions in Asia-Pacific
On the sidelines of the IRF World Congress, taking place from 15 to 18 October in Istanbul, Türkiye, the International Road Federation (IRF) and the Asian Transport Outlook (ATO) formalised their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic agreement will enhance efforts to promote sustainable transport across the Asia-Pacific region by leveraging data-driven insights, innovative research, and collaborative capacity-building.
Founded in 1948, the IRF is a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving road networks worldwide through knowledge sharing, advocacy, and strategic partnerships. Over the years, the IRF has been instrumental in advancing road infrastructure development and safety on an international scale. The ATO, initiated and supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), now also being supported by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), plays a vital role in strengthening the transport knowledge base across Asia and the Pacific, providing governments with data-driven insights to shape policies that address key environmental and economic challenges. It focuses on fostering sustainable and inclusive transport solutions that drive economic growth while tackling environmental concerns.
This formalised partnership brings together two prominent organisations committed to addressing the significant transport challenges facing the Asia-Pacific region. Their collaboration will focus on joint research initiatives, capacity building, and the use of robust data to inform evidence-based policy-making that will drive improvements in the sustainability and safety of road networks.
The IRF and ATO have a history of collaboration, particularly in the transport data realm, including their work on the IRF World Road Statistics as well as ATO’s Green Roads Profiles. This partnership was highlighted during a joint session at the IRF World Congress on 15 October, which also celebrated the launch of the 2024 edition of the IRF World Road Statistics. During the Congress, both organisations further presented a co-authored paper, Navigating Change: The Evolving Landscape of the Road Sector in Asia, which explores how low- and middle-income countries in Asia are balancing infrastructure development, access expansion, and innovative economic approaches while striving to mitigate environmental impacts.
Commenting on the MoU, Susanna Zammataro, Director General of the IRF, said: “The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in our mission to promote sustainable and inclusive mobility across the Asia-Pacific region. By working closely with ATO and sharing critical data, we can devise solutions that address both the current and future challenges of sustainable road development.”
James Leather, Director, Transport, Transport Sector Office at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), expressed similar optimism: “This partnership with the IRF represents an important opportunity to accelerate sustainable transport in Asia and the Pacific. By combining our strengths in research, capacity building, and data sharing, we can support governments in crafting policies that meet today’s transport challenges while preparing for future needs.”
Through this collaboration, the IRF and ATO are poised to make significant strides towards greener, safer, and more inclusive transport systems across the Asia-Pacific region. Their efforts, driven by data and innovation, promise to deliver lasting benefits to both communities and the environment.
President Erdoğan Opens the IRF World Congress 2024 in Istanbul
The IRF World Congress 2024, organised by the International Road Federation (IRF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Türkiye, officially opened today in Istanbul, with H.E. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, delivering the inaugural address.
In his speech, President Erdoğan underscored the vital role of infrastructure in shaping a nation’s development, highlighting its alignment with this year’s Congress theme, Connecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future for All. “Road is civilisation” said President Erdogan. “Roads mean transportation, industry, production, tourism, trade, safety, development, and integration with the world. With this understanding, we have elevated Türkiye to a new level in transportation and infrastructure.” Watch the message here.
The Congress, which runs from 15 to 18 October, is attracting over 2,000 participants from more than 80 countries, including over 30 ministers, high-level international organisations, and key public and private stakeholders. Discussions and presentations will focus on reimagining transport systems to build a greener, safer, and more inclusive future.
In his opening address, IRF President, Dimitris Mandalozis, stressed the urgency of sustainability and coming together as a collective voice. “For over seven decades, the IRF has united public and private sector, fostering partnerships that deliver meaningful impact. This is the core of who we are and what we do as a Federation” he said. “Today, amidst global challenges our collective voice as a transport community and not just as a federation is more important than ever”. “Sustainability is not a choice – it is an imperative” he continued. “Let us seize this moment to raise a strong, united voice that says NO to road deaths and injuries and YES to a decarbonised, resilient and sustainable transport that leaves no one behind” Mr Mandalozis concluded.
Welcoming the international and the local guests, H.E. Mr Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Türkiye, said “Türkiye has witnessed an impressive infrastructure development in recent twenty years. It has managed to increase investment resulting in some of the highest values of PPP infrastructure deals and private infrastructure investment globally”. Emphasising in his speech the importance of sustainable infrastructure within national transport strategies.
The opening plenary continued with a high-level panel discussion featuring remarks from prominent international organisations, including the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the International Transport Forum (ITF), the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Turkish technology leader TOGG.
A Ministerial Meeting hosted by the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure followed bringing together over 30 ministers from across the globe to explore practical strategies for decarbonisation and resilience in transport. The meeting focused on strengthening international cooperation, advancing intelligent transport systems, and investing in sustainable infrastructure as key pathways to building more resilient societies.
The Congress foresees a wide programme, including daily plenary sessions, special sessions, trainings, and five parallel technical tracks, accompanied by an exhibition spanning 5,000 square metres. Attendees will also visit on Friday key infrastructure sites in Türkiye, showcasing its commitment to sustainable transport solutions.
For more information about the IRF World Congress 2024 and upcoming sessions, visit irf2024.irfofficial.org.
