Skip to main content

Ministers vow on global transport connectivity

Transport Ministers from 53 countries have agreed a ‘common declaration’ to improve global transport connectivity. The formal declaration text, in which ministers agree that the “seamless transport is a powerful and ambitious strategic vision for the future of transport systems”, was approved at the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig, Germany. The declaration also states that seamless transport “drives the development of better mobility and sustainable economic growth”, an
May 4, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Transport Ministers from 53 countries have agreed a ‘common declaration’ to improve global transport connectivity.

The formal declaration text, in which ministers agree that “seamless transport is a powerful and ambitious strategic vision for the future of transport systems”, was approved at the Annual Summit of the 1102 International Transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig, Germany.

The declaration also states that seamless transport “drives the development of better mobility and sustainable economic growth”, and notes that sustainable transport systems are important for economic prosperity, environmental protection, safety and security of society.

“The International Transport Forum once again underlined that it is the worldwide, leading platform to discuss transport issues”, said Michael Kloth, acting secretary-general of the ITF. “We are glad about the commitment of our member countries to cooperate even closer to reduce inefficiencies at the seams between transport modes, jurisdictions, systems, sectors and countries. In this way, the transport sector can become a real driver for economic growth.”

The Ministerial meeting also welcomed Chile as the 54th member country of the ITF. The country is the first from South America to join the global transport policy body.

In their meeting, Ministers also elected Professor José Manuel Viegas from Portugal as secretary-general-elect of the ITF. Viegas is expected to take up his office this summer, taking over from acting secretary-general Michael Kloth.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • José Manuel Viegas is new ITF Secretary-General
    May 4, 2012
    Professor José Manuel Viegas has been chosen as Secretary-General-elect of the International Transport Forum. Ministers from the 53 member countries of the Forum agreed to appoint Viegas, an intergovernmental organisation within the OECD family that acts as a global transport policy think tank, during their Annual Summit in Leipzig, Germany. Viegas, from Portugal, is expected to take up office this summer, taking over from Michael Kloth of Germany, who led the Forum as acting secretary-General since Novem
  • Argentina, Israel and Morocco join International Transport Forum
    June 4, 2015
    In a key development, Argentina, Israel and Morocco are joining the International Transport Forum (ITF). The decision was made at a summit of international transport ministers held in the German city of Leipzig, who unanimously approved membership of the countries. Of particular note is the appointment of Morocco, the first full ITF member country from Africa. Housed by the OECD in Paris (France), the ITF is an intergovernmental organisation that acts as a think tank for transport policy and organises the
  • José Viegas starts work as ITF secretary-general
    August 20, 2012
    Internationally renowned academic José Viegas of Portugal has begun work as the new chief executive of International Transport Forum (ITF), the global transport policy body. The ITF is an intergovernmental organisation with 54 member countries that acts as a strategic think tank for global transport policy and organises an annual summit of transport ministers.
  • International Transport Forum
    March 20, 2012
    Registrations are open for the 2012 Summit of the International Transport Forum, which will focus on seamless transport. This global transport policy platform is linked to the OECD and will take place on 2-4 May in Leipzig, Germany. The event will bring together ministers, industry leaders and top experts from the Forum’s 53 member countries and beyond. The theme of the 2012 Summit is Seamless Transport: Making Connections and for the first time, China will be participating as a full member in the Summit.