The 86th Session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Inland Transport Committee (ITC), convened from 20 to 23 February 2024, served once again as a pivotal platform for global stakeholders to address pressing issues surrounding decarbonisation in transportation.

The session opened with a High-Level Policy Segment which saw the participation of esteemed speakers from various UN Member States and organisations, including the International Road Federation (IRF). Moderated by ITF Secretary General, Mr. Young Tae-Kim, the first panel of this High-Level Policy Segment addressed “National Visions and Policy Ambitions to Move Towards Decarbonised Inland Transport by 2050”. IRF President, Anouar Benazzouz, was amongst the line up of esteemed speakers in the panel.

During his intervention, Benazzouz referred to some of the significant challenges – but also the opportunities – that the road transport sector is facing in reducing carbon emissions. While the lack of institutional capacity and the inadequacy of traditional funding and financial instruments were mentioned among the main barriers the sector is facing, Benazzouz referred to the adoption of new technologies, innovation and digitalisatoin as some of the opportunities.

“We have today the tools that can deliver significant results and impact. Not tomorrow, but now. Not aspirational goals but action” he stressed.

Ministers and country representatives adopted the Inland Transport Committee new Strategy on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Inland Transport, a framework document that was welcomed by the IRF.

“We welcome the new ITC strategy and the commitment in there to ‘support the adoption of new technologies and innovations, including Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and digital solutions” stated Mr Benazzouz while speaking at the High-Level Segment.

A long-standing partner of the UNECE, the International Road Federation (IRF)  has contributed to  the Inland Transport Committee Annual Sessions for the several decades. The annual meeting served as an opportunity for the Federation to reinforce dialogue and partnerships through a number of billateral meetings including with UNECE Executive Secretary, H.E. Ms Tatiana Molcean, and the UN Special Envoy for Road Safety, Mr. Jean Todt.

The conversation on transport decarbonisation will be brought back to spotlight at the upcoming IRF World Congress taking place on 15-18 October in Istanbul. The comprehensive programme includes also a closed ministerial Meeting that will evolve around the theme “Decarbonised and Resilient Transport for Resilient Societies and Economies”. For more information, visit this page.