The International Road Federation (IRF)  – represented by IRF DG, Susanna Zammataro – proudly supported and participated in the World Transport Convention 2024 (WTC 2024), held in Qingdao, China, on 26-29 June 2024. This crucial platform for the transportation industry brought together global experts to discuss and address the sector’s most pressing challenges and advancements.

Under the leadership of the State Council, the convention was hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Ministry of Transport (MOT) of the People’s Republic of China, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and organised by IRF Member  China Highway & Transportation Society (CHTS). Since its inception in 2017, WTC has been a significant event for knowledge exchange and collaboration among transportation professionals worldwide.

Global Transportation Challenges & Opportunities

A key highlight of WTC 2024 was the grandiose opening ceremony which saw the participation of Chinese leaders as well as opening remarks being delivered by Susanna Zammataro, Director General of the International Road Federation and a Keynote by Michael Caltabiano, IRF Executive Committee Member and CEO of NTRO.

“China is a very strategic country with important transport developments that are shaping and will continue to shape the lives of billions of people while supporting a thriving economy,” IRF DG said in her opening address. She emphasised the vital role of international cooperation and innovation in shaping the future of transportation, and highlighted two significant challenges going forward for the transport sector:

• Lack of Institutional Capacity and the need for developing new systems, processes, and skilled professionals to effectively plan and deliver change

• Inadequate Traditional Funding, as traditional funding mechanisms are not designed to address the high-risk and uncertain investments required for decarbonising the transport sector, resulting on the need for creative financial approaches.

Conversely, she identified two major opportunities:

• Adoption of New Technologies and Innovations: Integrating digital tools and artificial intelligence in road infrastructure can generate significant cost savings and improve efficiency.

• Digitalisation: The digital transformation of the transportation sector is a game-changer, allowing for more efficient and sustainable operations.

IRF DG extended an invitation to all the WTC participants to the IRF World Congress 2024. This major event titled “Connecting to Empower Mobility: Roads as Enablers of a Sustainable Future for All,” will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, on 15-18 October 2024. The congress will explore how roads can empower mobility in various forms and contribute to global sustainable development.

IRF member, NTRO co-hosted during WTC the China-Australia Forum on Sustainable Development.  Moderated by IRF DG, Susanna Zammataro,  the forum gave to NTRO team the opportunity to present on various aspects of NTRO’s work, offering an overview of the Australian road network and showcasing innovative solutions. Presentations covered material sustainability testing using our state-of-the-art lab, road network safety plans and their benefits, and the role of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) in sustainable development. 

The WTC 2024 in Qingdao successfully reinforced IRF ties with China and CHTS. It offered the opportunity to strengthen global collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the transportation sector. The IRF’s involvement underscores its ongoing dedication to advancing road infrastructure and Innovation through international partnerships and knowledge exchange.