Over the following three days, transport for society will be the focus of discussion at the International Transport Forum in Leipzig, Germany, organised this year under the Spanish presidency.
The 2011 edition of the International Forum provides a unique opportunity for all transport stakeholders – transport ministers and business leaders, mayors, researchers and representatives of non-governmental organisations from around the world and from all modes of transport – to discuss necessary transport policy and to address the role of transport for the public and as a basis for economic development, whilst simultaneously ensuring sustainable transport.
Jack Short, ITF Secretary General, invited delegates to the Forum to reflect on how to improve the transport sector so that it contributes to the users’ needs ever better. In this regard, research and innovation play a key role. He highlighted the importance of tackling the challenge of transport from the point of view of individuals, communities and users. Jan Mücke, Federal Parliamentary State Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development, Germany, underlined the need to maintain investments and the necessary involvement of politicians to facilitate access to mobility.
During the opening ceremony, high-level speakers such as Jeremy Rifkin, President of the Foundation on Economic Trends, USA, and Enrique Peñalosa, former Mayor of Bogota, delivered keynote speeches.
Tomorrow, ministers from the 52 member countries of the International Transport Forum will focus on paths for action and on creating reliable, safe, accessible and sustainable transport that will help establish more liveable communities around the globe.
UIC Director-General Jean-Pierre Loubinoux will attend the Forum on 26 and 27 May in order to share his vision of transport with other stakeholders and to think about new solutions to improve mobility for society. During the Forum UIC will also have the opportunity to present its activities via a stand located within the exhibition organised alongside ITF.
More information to come in the next issue of UIC eNews.
