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

  • Jennifer Rumsey to succeed Tom Linebarger as Cummins president and CEO
    July 15, 2022
    Jennifer Rumsey is to succeed Tom Linebarger as Cummins president and CEO.
  • Gulf congress focuses on infrastructure challenges
    April 12, 2012
    The Kingdom of Bahrain will host the 3rd IRF Middle East Regional Congress & Exhibition which runs January 9-11, 2012.
  • Astec Industries executive to head AEM in 2014
    November 8, 2013
    Astec Industries executive Richard Patek is to head the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) trade group in 2014. Patek, Group President Aggregate and Mining at Astec Industries, is among the AEM’s newly-elected officers and directors for 2014, following a vote at the North American-based association’s recent annual meeting. The full list of newly elected AEM officers for 2014 are Chair Richard Patek, Group President Aggregate and Mining of Astec Industries; Vice Chair Robert Kolb, Vice Presid
  • The IRF World Road Meeting 2017 awaits you…
    October 19, 2017
    “With two months to the WRM 2017, I invite you to this global event which promises to be an excellent forum to hobnob with senior professionals in the industry and forge promising associations,” Kiran K Kapila, IRF chairman. This global event scheduled to be held in Delhi, India on November 14-17, 2017 is shaping up as a high profile event with confirmation of the participation of senior professionals from the road and mobility sectors of a number of countries. These include Abu Dhabi, Australia, Bangladesh