2 – 3 June | Tianjin, China – The International Road Federation (IRF) participated in the World Transport Convention 2026 (WTC2026), held from 2–3 June 2026 at the National Convention and Exhibition Center in Tianjin, China.

Jointly organised by the China Highway and Transportation Society, China Institute of Navigation, China Railway Society, Chinese Society of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China Society of Automotive Engineers and the China Air Transport Association, this year’s Convention was held under the theme “AI + Transportation”. 

The event brought together leading scientists, policymakers, industry experts and business leaders to examine how artificial intelligence is transforming transport systems and accelerating the development of smarter, more efficient mobility solutions.

Representing the IRF, Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz participated in the International Smart Logistics Development Forum, a high-level session held under the theme “Smart Navigation and Digital Empowerment: Jointly Building a New Belt and Road Logistics Corridor”. The forum explored the role of digital technologies, intelligent logistics systems and international cooperation in strengthening supply chains and enhancing cross-border connectivity.

During the forum, DG Alcaraz shared the IRF’s global perspective on the opportunities presented by digitalisation, artificial intelligence and smart logistics. Drawing on IRF’s international activities, he highlighted how data, innovation and international cooperation are helping transport agencies and operators deliver safer, more efficient and more resilient mobility systems.

He presented a selection of IRF’s Horizon Europe projects, showcasing practical experiences in connected and automated mobility, digital road infrastructure, AI-supported road safety, predictive maintenance and climate-neutral mobility systems. The presentation highlighted key lessons from Europe’s transition towards smarter, safer and more connected transport networks and provided a platform for cross-regional learning and exchange between European and Chinese stakeholders.

The Convention provided an important platform for dialogue on the integration of artificial intelligence into transportation networks, with discussions spanning infrastructure management, logistics operations, multimodal transport and emerging digital solutions.