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

  • Intelligent approaches to future mobility
    June 14, 2012
    IRF Geneva actively involved in the launch of the UNECE strategy package on ITS that is expected to mark a milestone for future United Nations activities on ITS. High-level speakers, governments, experts and academia from all around the world gathered in Geneva on 28th February for a landmark ‘kick-off’ session aimed at positioning ITS more prominently on the policy makers agenda and to contribute to the policy-segment and launch of the new UNECE strategy package on ITS. The strategy package contains
  • ERF participates in 4th Congress on Roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina
    December 8, 2014
    On 18th and 19th September, the Association of Consulting Engineers Bosnia and Herzegovina (UKI BH), a member of the ERF, organised its 4th Congress on Roads, together with the Regional Cooperation Council. The UKI BH brings together stakeholders involved in consulting activities aimed at supporting the companies’ interests and improving the efficiency of the activities developed according to the international rules and regulations. The Regional Cooperation Council promotes the reciprocal cooperation, as
  • PPRS speaker and MEP Cramer will urge more road maintenance
    February 3, 2015
    The chairman of the European Parliament’s transport committee wants an emphasis on road maintenance and finishing international connecting roads systems than on new grandiose highways. If national government’s fail to do this, as it’s their responsibility, then the European Union’s major cities can look forward to increasing gridlock in the coming decades. Congestion and maintenance are first and foremost the responsibility of member states and nobody wants to change this,” said Michael Cramer, chairm
  • Spain’s international road safety show and conference proves successful
    November 8, 2013
    The 13th TRAFIC International Road Safety and Equipment Exhibition Fair in Madrid is said to have been a major success. Run recently by IFEMA at FERIA DE MADRID, the event attracted 110 exhibitors and 4,432 trade visitors according to the show organiser. In terms of trade visitor profile, 28% were from the various public administrations, 19% were from engineering and consultancy companies, and 6% from state security bodies. Most of the participating companies consulted agreed that although visitor numbers w