Thank you for attending the ITF Summit

6 - 8 May 2026 | Leipzig, Germany

Summit 2026 - Quotes - 19

ITF Policy Recommendations

The ITF Council of Ministers on 7 May adopted two groundbreaking policy recommendations on the digitalisation of cross-border freight and on the development of urban transport. ITF recommendations are non-binding but represent a strong political consensus among ITF member countries and are intended to guide national policies and foster international co-operation in the years ahead.

International transport connectivity underpins global trade, enabling the smooth movement of goods and services across borders. Digitalisation can facilitate international transport connectivity by reducing transit times, improving supply chain resilience and reliability, and enhancing visibility of cross-border flows, thereby supporting trade competitiveness, economic growth, and deeper regional integration. Realising these benefits in practice will require digitalisation efforts that are harmonised and supported by strong human and institutional capacity. To harness the full strategic value of digitalisation, national governments and authorities can pursue policies in the following five categories.

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Urban areas generate around one-third of global passenger transport demand. As global urbanisation trends are set to continue, urban areas will face increasing pressure to provide functioning mobility and transport systems that can adequately accommodate increasing transport demand and respond to the increasing competition for limited space. To ensure such urban transport systems come to the benefit of all while limiting negative externalities – and while avoiding unnecessary administrative burdens – national or subnational governments can pursue policies in the following categories.

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Media releases

The Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF), the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers kicks off today in the east German city of Leipzig with a celebration of the organisation’s 20th anniversary.

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The world’s leading transport policymakers, industry executives and experts meet in Leipzig, Germany, from 6 to 8 May for the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF).

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Paris and Leipzig, 7 May 2026 | Ghana, Panama and Peru have joined the International Transport Forum (ITF) as the organisation’s 70th, 71st and 72nd member countries.

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Bessie Noll of ETH Zürich wins the 2026 ITF Young Researcher Award for her research showing that solar-powered electric vehicles could become cost-competitive across Africa well before 2040.

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The Council of Ministers of Transport (CMT) of the International Transport Forum (ITF) today adopted two significant Policy Recommendations aimed at strengthening international freight connectivity through digitalization, and advancing sustainable urban transport systems worldwide.

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Session recordings

Watch main session recordings.

Summit President Rashad Nabiyev and German Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder outline the Summit's objectives and ministerial agenda around the theme of Funding Transport Resilience. ITF Secretary-General Young Tae Kim also shares his perspective.

As climate pressures, shifting trade routes, and ageing infrastructure strain transport systems, resilience has become essential. This plenary explores how forward-looking strategies and stronger governance can help countries overcome financial and institutional barriers to building transport systems that are secure, productive, and built to last.

Immediately following the Council of Ministers, the Presidency of Azerbaijan reports on the Ministers’ discussion and outlines the decisions taken by the Council.

Transport is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise. At COP30 in November 2025, eleven countries signed a Ministerial Declaration to tackle transport emissions together. At ITF 2026, the coalition presents its new leadership and work plan, making the case that resilience and decarbonisation are inseparable priorities. High-level representatives of signatory countries discuss what comes next.

Delivering resilient transport requires strong governance, cross-sector collaboration, and institutional innovation alongside capital. This session examines how to align public and private finance, drawing lessons from sectors such as energy and telecommunications to scale investment across all transport modes.

Transport corridors are vital for regional trade and connectivity, but face shared vulnerabilities from extreme weather, geopolitical tensions, and systemic disruptions. This plenary brings together ministers, regional organisations, and financial partners to explore how collaborative governance and financing can strengthen corridor resilience while ensuring local communities benefit.

Local leaders are increasingly shaping transport resilience from the ground up. This session explores how community-driven planning and innovative local financing translate shared visions into more effective, equitable transport projects – and how funders can better support locally led solutions.

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