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

  • Powered two wheeler safety plan for Europe
    November 16, 2015
    A new road safety strategy for powered two wheelers in Europe has been set out jointly following discussions. The results of analysis have been set out in a joint position statement by the bodies FEMA, FIM and FIM Europe. In the draft report FEMA and FIM have identified seven major areas of great importance that are in accordance with the positions of the riders’ organisations in Europe and elsewhere. Key recommendations and statements from the OECD-ITF draft report highlight issues for the safety of powe
  • UN's first High-level Meeting on Road Safety
    July 7, 2022
    The goal was to ensure the 2030 vision to eliminate high-risk roads and secure a decade of action and delivery by national governments.
  • CECE Congress focuses on future of construction
    May 8, 2012
    The bi-annual CECE Congress was held in Spain when participants looked forward in a bid to see what will happen in the next ten years. Growth markets such as China, India and Brazil offer big opportunities to European construction equipment manufacturers. As companies, particularly those from China, start to expand outside their own countries the competition for business will increase, and it has been claimed that there is no such thing as 'the global market', rather it is the sum of hundreds, if not thousa
  • Better bus ride project wins Achievement Award
    May 10, 2012
    Arriva Denmark, part of the Arriva Group owned by Deutsche Bahn, has been awarded the 2011 Transport Achievement Award for its Better Bus Ride project. Special mentions were made for Istanbul Rapid Bus Transit, Turkey, and DHL Global Forwarding, Germany, at the International Transport Forum at the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development), an inter-governmental organisation for the transport sector with 52 member countries.