IRF President Dimitrios Mandalozis is at the 88th session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Inland Transport Committee in Geneva to address the High-level Policy Segment on driving innovation in inland transport.

In his intervention, he emphasised that “infrastructure, data and digitalisation must be treated as one,” noting that roads are evolving from static assets into performance-based systems that must operate reliably under climate pressure and rising mobility demand. He highlighted the role of digital tools in extending asset life, improving safety and strengthening resilience.

Drawing on IRF’s global evidence base, including the IRF World Road Statistics, President Dimitrios underscored the importance of harmonised data for benchmarking and informed policymaking. He also outlined IRF’s commitment to practical implementation roadmaps that support countries in planning, designing and managing roads to meet social, environmental and economic objectives.

Read full transcript of his intervention:

Excellencies, Ministers, distinguished delegates, 

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to UNECE for convening the 88th session of the Inland Transport Committee and for providing a multistakeholder platform to articulate priorities and share innovations. 

The International Road Federation, active since 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, works to support countries in delivering road systems that are inclusive, safe, green and efficient. 

In today’s context, infrastructure, data and digitalisation must be treated as one. Roads are no longer static assets. They are performance-based systems that must operate reliably under growing climate risks, rising mobility demand and increasing expectations for transparency and efficiency. Digital tools and data are essential to extending asset life, improving safety outcomes, reducing lifecycle emissions and ensuring resilience. 

IRF has contributed to the global evidence base through our World Road Statistics, published annually since 1964. Drawing on national data and aligned with internationally harmonised definitions, WRS now covers more than 200 countries and territories and over 200 indicators across 11 thematic areas. It supports benchmarking, policy evaluation and planning at national and international levels. The IRF WRS Data Warehouse further enhances accessibility through interactive dashboards and analytical tools, enabling decision-makers to translate data into informed action. 

Besides data, to support the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport, IRF and a coalition of partners have committed to helping countries strengthen how roads are planned, designed, financed and managed to address the social, environmental and economic challenges of the decade ahead. At the core of this commitment is a series of implementation roadmaps that translate the Decade’s objectives into practical guidance for the road sector. These roadmaps will emphasise data-driven decision-making, digital asset management systems, innovation in materials and design, among other key issues. 

In parallel, IRF is also active in many international initiatives that advance connected and automated mobility, ensuring that digitalisation and innovation improve road safety and more efficient traffic operations. We work with infrastructure operators, technology providers and research institutions to bridge the gap between research and deployment. These initiatives reinforce the principle that digital transformation must be integrated into infrastructure governance, standards and operational frameworks from the outset. 

I would like to conclude by warmly inviting Member States and stakeholders to join us at the IRF Annual Conference 2026 in Geneva, taking place from 16 to 18 November. The Conference is designed as a platform for countries, international organisations and industry leaders to exchange practical experience on how roads can better fulfil sustainability objectives. In a period of rapid technological and climate change, international cooperation is essential. We would be honoured to welcome your participation and to continue this important dialogue together. 

Thank you.