Call for Abstracts: IRF World Congress 2024
The International Road Federation (IRF) World Congress is set to convene in the vibrant city of Istanbul on 15 - 18 October 2024. With a legacy spanning nearly seven decades, the IRF World Congress stands as a beacon for celebrating the pivotal role of road and mobility sectors in fostering global growth and development.
Under the overarching theme, "Connecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future for All," the congress promises a dynamic platform for global leaders, industry experts, academia, and stakeholders to converge, engage, and innovate. This rallying call emphasises the profound role of roads in fostering connectivity and mobility in all its forms while underscoring a commitment to shaping a sustainable future that is inclusive and resilient.
The call for abstracts is open to individuals, organisations, and institutions eager to showcase innovative ideas, research findings, and transformative projects. Abstracts, limited to 350 words, should align with one or more of the 11 congress themes, including Sustainable Roads & Transport Development, Inclusive and Accessible Mobility, Urban and Rural Roads, Innovative Technologies, CCAM, Funding and Financing, and many more.Notably, submission of a full paper upon abstract selection is optional.

Call for Abstracts Key Higlights
- Flexibility in Submission: Submission of a full paper is optional, with the limit for single abstracts being set at 350 words.
- Thematic Alignment: Submissions should address one or more of the 11 themes and 75 sub-themes of the congress, ensuring relevance and coherence with the Congress' focus areas.
- Publication and Recognition: Accepted full papers will be published and considered for the prestigious Best Paper Award, offering contributors a platform for recognition and dissemination of their work.
- Submission deadline: Abstracts should be submitted in English through the Abstract Submission Portal by 31 March 2024.
Useful Links & Resources
- More information about the IRF World Congress can be found here.
- Further details regarding abstract, submission guidelines can be found in the Abstract Guidelines.
- To submit your abstract, please visit the Abstract Submission Portal.
- For further inquiries, please contact us at irf2024@irfnet.ch.
Connecting to Empower Mobility: The Theme for the IRF World Congress 2024 is Unveiled
The International Road Federation (IRF) is excited to announce the theme for the upcoming IRF World Congress 2024, scheduled to take place in the vibrant city of Istanbul on 15-18 October 2024. Organised every four years, this landmark event, with a legacy spanning nearly seven decades, continues to celebrate the road and mobility sectors as instrumental forces for growth and development.
The theme, "Connecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future for All", encapsulates the core ethos of the congress. This rallying call emphasises the profound role of roads in fostering connectivity and mobility in all its forms while underscoring a commitment to shaping a sustainable future that is inclusive and resilient.
With a history of being a focal point for industry leaders, decision-makers, and professionals, the IRF World Congress is more than an event; it is a unique platform that catalyses thought-leadership, facilitates business development, and promotes education in the road and mobility sectors.
"The chosen theme reflects our dedication to envisioning a future where roads serve as pathways to empower mobility in all its forms - whether on foot, on a bicycle, on public transport or a motor vehicle, in urban or rural areas – thus connecting communities and fostering sustainable development on a global scale", said IRF President, Mr Anouar Benazzouz. "The IRF World Congress 2024 will be an inspiring journey on how to pave the way for a future where roads are part of a transportation system that unites, empowers, and provides access to opportunities to all", he added.
While the comprehensive programme details, including the technical conference, large exhibition, and rich programme of technical visits, will be unveiled in due course, the theme sets the stage for a congress that promises to be a gathering of minds focused on driving positive change in the road and mobility sectors.
Mark your calendars as the call for abstracts will be out early January! For more information on the IRF World Congress visit this page or contact the IRF at info@irfnet.ch.


IRF Announces the IRF World Congress 2024 to be Hosted in Istanbul
Honouring a long-standing tradition, the International Road Federation (IRF) officially announced the IRF World Congress 2024, during the closing ceremony of the PIARC World Road Congress. The IRF World Congress will be hosted in the vibrant city of Istanbul, Türkiye, on 15-18 October 2024.
Organised every four years, the IRF World Congress has represented – for almost seven decades – an opportunity to celebrate the road and mobility sectors as enablers of growth and development. The event composed by a technical conference, a large exhibition, and a rich programme of technical visits, provides a unique platform that supports thought-leadership, business development, education, and overall successful partnerships in our industry.
The announcement was presided by Hamdi Aydin, Board Member of the Turkish Road Association and IRF Treasurer, Susanna Zammataro, IRF Director General, Mücahit Arman, Director General of Strategic Development Directorate at the Turkish Ministry of Transport & Infrastructure, and Gökhan Macit, Deputy Director General of Turkish Highways.
“Türkiye has witnessed an impressive infrastructure development in recent years. It has managed to increase investments resulting in some of the highest values of PPP infrastructure deals and private infrastructure investment globally” said Mr Arman in his speech. “We look forward to welcoming to the Congress in 2024, professionals from all over the world, to share with them our experience and to learn from them as well” he added.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the IRF and the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure earlier this year marked the official commencement of preparations for the Congress and designated Turkey as the official host country for the prestigious event. Beside the endorsement and active involvement of the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, IRF is assisted by the Turkish Road Association in the organisation of this major event.
The upcoming IRF World Congress 2024 promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together global leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions, exchange knowledge, and drive progress in the road and mobility sectors. Istanbul, with its rich history and strategic location, is poised to offer an ideal backdrop for this pivotal event.
As the date draws nearer, the global road and mobility community eagerly anticipates the opportunities for growth, collaboration, and development that the IRF World Congress 2024 will undoubtedly bring to Istanbul and the world at large.
The mysticism of the East and the modernity of the West, the balance of the traditional and the modern, the past and the future. This is Istanbul. This is Türkiye.
Stay tuned for more updates on this landmark event that promises to shape the future of transportation and infrastructure.



Preparations Kick Off in Istanbul for the IRF World Congress 2024
The signature of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the International Road Federation (IRF) and the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, has officially kicked-off preparations for the Congress and marked Turkey as the official host country for the IRF World Congress 2024.
The meeting was attended by Yunus Emre Ayözen (Head of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Strategy Development), Mücahit Arman (Turkish Directorate General for Highways), Susanna Zammataro (IRF Director General), and Hamdi Aydin (Member of the IRF Board of Directors and IRF Treasurer) and representatives from the Turkish Road Association and from the Ministry of Transport.
The meeting offered the opportunity to visit the venue and discuss the format of the Congress which is expected to attract approximately 2’000 professionals, researchers, and experts together with a large delegation of Ministers from all over the world. The wide exhibition and the technical visits will also offer unique opportunities to learn about new developments in our industry and to connect with peers.
More information on the IRF World Congress 2024 will be posted on the event page. For any question, please contact IRF at info@irfnet.ch.






