CITA at the Future of Transport Ministerial Retreat
Geneva, 10 February 2025 — The Future of Transport Ministerial Retreat, organized by the World Economic Forum in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), gathered key global stakeholders to deliberate on the strategic future of transport. Held at the World Economic Forum headquarters in Geneva, the event was pivotal in shaping discussions around sustainable transport, digital transformation, and strategic foresight for the post-2030 development agenda.
CITA was proudly represented by its President, Gerhard Müller, and its Executive Director, Eduard Fernández. Their participation underscored CITA’s commitment to advancing regulatory compliance and fostering international collaboration in the evolving landscape of transport.
The retreat featured a comprehensive agenda focused on the future-proofing of physical and digital infrastructure, with sessions on strategic foresight, expert insights, and scenario mapping. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to address global transport challenges exacerbated by climate change, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological advancements.
In his compelling address during the retreat’s dinner session, Gerhard Muller emphasized the fundamental role of transport as the backbone of global economies, influencing GDP contributions ranging from 6% to 12%. He lauded UNECE’s Inland Transport Committee (ITC) for its instrumental work in facilitating efficient trade and promoting human development through key international conventions..
“Transport is the backbone of any economy,” Müller stated, drawing attention to the critical role of regulatory frameworks like the TIR Convention, the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic, and the 1997 Agreement on Vehicle Inspections. He highlighted the risk of complacency with long-standing conventions, advocating for continuous modernization to keep pace with emerging transport technologies.
Müller illustrated the importance of international standards with a simple yet powerful analogy: a universal plug converter. “When we don’t have international standards, inefficiency prevails,” he remarked, showcasing how standardization in transport has effectively avoided similar pitfalls, unlike other sectors lacking global harmonization.
Reaffirming CITA’s dedication, Müller concluded, “Harmonization and standardization are essential for the development of sustainable transport, and the Inland Transport Committee is the forum to make that happen.” He expressed CITA’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to advance smart transport standardization, ensuring sustainability, efficiency, and safety in the global mobility ecosystem.
CITA’s active engagement at the Future of Transport Ministerial Retreat reflects its pivotal role in shaping transport policies that respond to the complexities of a rapidly changing world. By participating in such high-level dialogues, CITA continues to influence the global transport agenda, championing regulatory excellence and fostering a future-ready transport landscape.