Advisory Board

3 - 6 June | Shanghai, China - International Road Federation (IRF) Director General Gonzalo Alcaraz and Head of Advocacy and Outreach Alice Yiu participated in Intertraffic China 2026 in Shanghai, one of Asia's leading platforms for road infrastructure, traffic management, road safety and smart mobility solutions.

Bringing together over 15,000 visitors from over 80 countries, Intertraffic China serves as a key meeting point for industry leaders, policymakers, technology providers and transport professionals from across Asia and beyond. The event offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore emerging technologies and foster international partnerships that advance safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility systems.

As part of the conference programme, DG Alcaraz delivered a presentation entitled "From Connected Roads to Cooperative Mobility: European Approaches to Vehicle-Road Collaboration and Safe Automated Driving".

The presentation highlighted lessons learned from several European research and innovation projects supported by the European Union, showcasing how connected and automated mobility is evolving through closer collaboration between vehicles, infrastructure operators, cities, telecommunications providers and regulators.

Drawing on IRF's involvement in major Horizon Europe initiatives, DG Alcaraz presented insights from projects including Hi-Drive, EvoRoads and Mobilities for EU, each of which is helping shape the future of connected, automated, and sustainable transport systems.

A central theme of the presentation was the growing importance of intelligent infrastructure in enabling safe automated driving. Through projects such as EvoRoads, Europe is developing AI-powered road monitoring systems, digital twins, predictive maintenance tools and real-time risk assessment services that support both road operators and connected vehicles. These technologies contribute to the European Union's Vision Zero ambition by improving infrastructure safety while preparing road networks for future mobility services.

The presentation also highlighted how Urban Mobility Labs across Europe are testing innovative solutions in real-world environments, including autonomous electric buses, hydrogen-powered transport, vehicle-to-grid charging systems, intelligent logistics solutions and integrated digital mobility platforms.

Addressing the Chinese transport community, Gonzalo emphasised several strategic lessons emerging from the European experience. These include the importance of infrastructure digitalisation, real-time road intelligence, interoperability standards, cross-sector collaboration and long-term investment frameworks that enable connected and automated mobility to move beyond pilot projects and into large-scale deployment.

The session also explored opportunities for international cooperation and cross-learning. With China's leadership in artificial intelligence, 5G connectivity, robotics and smart city development, significant opportunities exist for knowledge exchange between European and Chinese stakeholders working toward safer and more efficient transport systems.

Throughout the event, IRF engaged with industry leaders, government representatives, technology providers and mobility experts from across the region.

Their participation reinforced IRF's commitment to fostering international dialogue and promoting innovative solutions that improve road safety, infrastructure resilience and sustainable mobility worldwide.

As transport systems become increasingly connected and automated, platforms such as Intertraffic China play a vital role in bringing together global expertise and accelerating the deployment of technologies that will shape the future of mobility.

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.

27 - 29 May | Bratislava, Solvakia - The International Road Federation (IRF) participated at the 53rd ASECAP Days in Bratislava, Slovakia, with IRF President Dimitrios Mandalozis and Project Manager Iona Kirkpatrick contributing to discussions on the future of Europe’s road infrastructure and mobility systems.

Hosted by Slovakia’s national motorway company, Národná Diaľničná Spoločnosť, ASECAP Days 2026 brought together leaders from across the transport ecosystem to examine how Europe can strengthen the resilience of its road infrastructure in the face of climate change, geopolitical pressures and rising mobility demands. This year’s discussions place particular emphasis on targeted investments, sustainable financing mechanisms and strategies to modernise transport networks while advancing the European Union’s objectives of secure mobility and decarbonisation.

Set against the backdrop of Bratislava, the conference provided an important platform for collaboration among toll road operators, concessionaires, policymakers, technology providers and infrastructure experts.

Speaking during the opening plenary, President Mandalozis underscored the strategic importance of roads to Europe’s economic competitiveness and territorial cohesion. Highlighting that road transport continues to account for a significant share of inland freight movement across the European Union, he emphasised the importance of long-term investment frameworks, resilient infrastructure management and sustained partnerships to future-proof Europe’s transport systems. He also stressed the role of toll road operators and concessionaires in supporting innovation, maintaining strategic corridors and delivering customer-oriented infrastructure capable of meeting future mobility needs.

President Mandalozis further highlighted the need for smarter asset management, interoperable digital systems and stronger cooperation across the infrastructure lifecycle to ensure that Europe’s road networks remain resilient, sustainable and responsive to evolving challenges. His intervention also extended an invitation to participants to continue these conversations at the IRF 2026 Annual Conference in Geneva, where international stakeholders will gather to advance implementation pathways for the transport sector.

Meanwhile, Project Manager Iona Kirkpatrick is presenting IRF’s work under the iEXODDUS project, showcasing how cooperative infrastructure can support the extension of Operational Design Domains (ODDs) for automated vehicles through digital twins, secure vehicle-to-everything (V2X) data and real-time decision support systems.

Her presentation explores how iEXODDUS is addressing one of the central constraints to large-scale deployment of Cooperative, Connected and Automated Mobility (CCAM) which is the limited ability of automated vehicles to operate safely in complex and changing traffic environments. Through a combination of roadside sensing technologies, connected vehicle data, digital twin modelling and real-time decision support, the project aims to improve situational awareness, enhance road safety and enable more resilient and efficient traffic operations.

Kirkpatrick also highlighted how infrastructure-assisted perception and sensor fusion can support automated driving in challenging environments such as tunnels, road works zones and accident sites, while improving detection of vulnerable road users and enabling more proactive traffic management. With a strong focus on interoperability, cybersecurity and cross-border scalability, iEXODDUS contributes to shaping the next generation of connected and automated mobility systems across Europe.

IRF’s participation at ASECAP Days 2026 reflects its continued commitment to advancing dialogue on resilient, innovative and future-ready road infrastructure. By contributing perspectives on long-term investment, digital transformation and cooperative mobility systems, the Federation is helping ensure that Europe’s transport networks remain safe, interoperable and prepared for the challenges ahead.

IATR is pleased to welcome Gonzalo Alcaraz, Director General of the International Road Federation (IRF), as its newest advisory board member. IRF is the world’s leading organisation dedicated to promoting safer, greener and more sustainable road systems worldwide.

On joining the IATR Advisory Board, Gonzalo said, “It is a privilege to join the IATR Advisory Board at a time when transportation regulators are navigating unprecedented complexity, from new mobility modes to automation and decarbonisation. Headquartered in Geneva and active on every continent, IRF has long believed that safer, more sustainable mobility depends on bringing together regulators, industry and civil society across borders. I look forward to contributing an international perspective, sharing best practices from IRF’s global membership and working with fellow board members to advance regulatory frameworks that place road safety and sustainability outcomes at the centre of innovation.”

Matt Daus, IATR President, said, “We are honoured to welcome Gonzalo Alcaraz and the IRF to the IATR Advisory Board. Gonzalo brings an impressive background and a strong commitment to improving road safety and sustainable infrastructure worldwide. IRF has played a vital role in advancing collaboration between governments, industry leaders and transportation stakeholders across the world and its global perspective will be an important asset to IATR as regulators continue adapting to evolving mobility technologies and transportation models. We look forward to working closely with Gonzalo and IRF to help advance practical, forward-looking regulatory approaches that prioritise safety, innovation and public benefit.”

In this role, Gonzalo leads IRF’s international programs, policy advocacy, and member engagement by working with governments, multilateral institutions and industry leaders to advance road safety, sustainable infrastructure and connected and automated mobility.

Over a 15-year career spanning IoT engineering, intelligent transportation systems, autonomous fleet management and transport policy, he has worked in the European private sector before moving into international institutional leadership. He has represented the road sector at major events and forums around the world and mentors early-stage ventures through Techstars accelerator programs. He holds degrees from Universidad Blas Pascal (Argentina), Politecnico di Torino (Italy) and Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden) and works in four languages.

Active since 1948, the IRF is an international, membership-based organisation headquartered in Geneva that shapes the future of road and transport infrastructure systems for people and the planet. Mobilising the world’s road transport ecosystem through a trusted platform for collaboration, we provide practical knowledge, policy engagement and capacity building to support countries and industry leaders deliver road systems that are inclusive, safe, green and efficient.

As transportation regulation and technology evolve, more government entities and stakeholders are taking on roles in overseeing, coordinating and regulating both emerging and established industry participants. IATR members now regulate not only taxicabs and limousines, but also pedicabs, Transportation Network Companies (TNCs), liveries, black cars, app-based firms, jitneys, shuttles, microtransit services and public and private paratransit. In many regions, they also collect transportation data from licensees and work with technology vendors, automakers and other businesses connected to for-hire ground transportation providers, drivers, and vehicle owners through permitting, authorisation, franchising and regulation.

This expanding regulatory landscape includes airport authorities, multimodal public transit agencies, local transportation and traffic departments, state highway and transportation agencies, public utilities commissions, consumer affairs agencies, taxi and limousine or for-hire departments, police departments, state agriculture departments and weights and measures agencies or divisions. It also now includes state Departments of Motor Vehicles, certain federal agencies, international ministries, land transport authorities and social service regulators responsible for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation. IATR’s diverse membership of government agencies helps the organisation collaborate with peer nonprofits that support education and advocacy, reinforcing the mission and objectives of IATR.

In response to this fast-changing landscape of new mobility, oversight, decarbonisation and road safety, IATR includes a range of organisations on its advisory board to ensure that strong guidance, practical insight and leading practices are shared through conferences, subcommittees, joint projects and industry hackathons. Advisory board members include Together for Safer Roads, the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), the University Transportation Research Center (UTRC) and the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Accreditation Commission.

Article originally published by IATR

19 - 22 May | Manila, Philippines - The International Road Federation (IRF) participated in discussions on the future of sustainable mobility in the Asia-Pacific region during the Asia and the Pacific Transport Forum 2026, convened by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Held under the theme "From Priorities to Action", the Forum brought together ministers, senior government officials, development partners, transport practitioners and international organisations to examine how countries can translate the objectives of the newly launched United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035) into practical and measurable outcomes.

The event forms part of ADB's long-standing commitment to supporting transport policy dialogue, knowledge exchange and capacity development across the region.

Representing IRF, Head of Advocacy and Outreach Alice Yiu joined the plenary session "Delivering on the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport," alongside leaders from the Asian Development Bank, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and the Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SLOCAT).

During the discussion, Yiu highlighted the scale of the challenges facing transport systems across Asia and the Pacific. While the region continues to invest heavily in road infrastructure and is expected to add millions of kilometres of new roads by 2035, significant gaps remain in road maintenance, safety, resilience and accessibility.

She noted that hundreds of millions of people across the region still lack access to reliable all-weather roads, while road crashes and climate-related disruptions continue to impose substantial social and economic costs.

Yiu emphasised that the success of the UN Decade will depend not only on expanding infrastructure networks but also on improving the outcomes those networks deliver. She outlined four key priorities for the road sector: shifting from measuring infrastructure quantity to infrastructure performance, strengthening maintenance and asset management, embedding resilience and safety into transport planning, and transforming institutional approaches to decision-making and project delivery.

She also presented IRF's contribution to the Decade through the development of implementation roadmaps focused on inclusive, safe, green and efficient roads. These roadmaps aim to help road agencies translate high-level sustainability objectives into practical actions by providing guidance on planning, procurement, performance indicators, resilience and institutional capacity building.

Addressing the importance of capacity development and peer learning, Yiu highlighted IRF's Road Safety Auditors training and accreditation programmes as an example of how international cooperation can help strengthen technical competencies while supporting local expertise. She noted that structured knowledge-sharing mechanisms can enable countries to exchange practical implementation experience while adapting solutions to their own national contexts.

The discussion also examined how countries can better monitor progress during the Decade. Yiu advocated for moving beyond traditional infrastructure metrics and adopting people-centred indicators that measure accessibility, connectivity, safety and service delivery outcomes. She stressed that stronger data systems and emerging technologies can help transport agencies better understand infrastructure performance and support more informed decision-making.

Looking ahead, Yiu called for greater integration of sustainability, resilience, accessibility and safety considerations into the core operating systems of road agencies. She also underscored the importance of regional collaboration, peer learning and institutional reform in ensuring that the ambitions of the UN Decade translate into measurable improvements on the ground.

As countries across Asia and the Pacific enter the first phase of implementing the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, IRF remains committed to supporting governments, road agencies and development partners in advancing transport systems that deliver lasting economic, social and environmental benefits.