ITF Presidency in Focus: Building Sustainable and Resilient Transport in Latin America

Hosted by Chile, ITF Presidency

As President of the International Transport Forum for 2024–2025, Chile is proud to host this special session dedicated to showcasing regional leadership, innovation, and progress in sustainable and resilient transport systems across South America. In a context marked by rising urbanisation, economic transformation, and growing environmental urgency, the region has become a fertile ground for bold, inclusive transport policies that combine technological innovation, climate ambition, and social equity.

The session will highlight successful initiatives across the region. Central to the discussion will be the rapid expansion of electromobility in Chile, including its pioneering role in deploying electric bus fleets. From the capital Santiago’s globally recognised system to the scaling of clean transport in medium-sized cities, Latin America is laying the groundwork for a zero-emissions mobility transition. This shift is not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also improving air quality and quality of life for urban residents.

Maritime and freight logistics are also undergoing transformation. The region is prioritising strategic investments in road, rail and port infrastructure, recognising the vital role of freight corridors in regional development and international trade. Initiatives to modernise port terminals, improve intermodal connectivity, and adopt low-emission fuels in maritime transport are helping reduce bottlenecks, improve supply chain resilience, and decarbonise freight movements. These investments also create opportunities for job creation, innovation, and regional integration.

The session will also highlight the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in financing and delivering infrastructure and services. These collaborations are proving crucial in scaling innovation, managing operational risk, and ensuring the financial sustainability of transport systems. Successful PPPs in the region demonstrate the value of aligning regulatory frameworks with clear long-term goals, community engagement, and financial incentives for clean technologies.

By drawing on diverse case studies and lessons from across the region, this session will provide a space for dialogue on how to build more inclusive, low-emission, and resilient transport systems. In doing so, it aims to contribute not only to regional cooperation in Latin America but also to the global conversation on how transport can be a driver of climate action, economic opportunity, and social inclusion.

MODERATOR PANEL 1

• Shokraneh Minovi, Senior Partnership Specialist, Global Transport Department, World Bank

PANELLISTS PANEL 1

• Ricardo Montecino, Director of Development, Engineering and Projects Division, State Railways Company of Chile (EFE)
• Guillermo Muñoz, President, Metro de Santiago
• Cristóbal Pineda, Head of Regional Public Transport Division, Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications of Chile
• Paola Tapia, Board Director, Port of San Antonio (EPSA)
• Joaquín Urrutia, CEO, Red Global S.A. (BancoEstado)

MODERATOR PANEL 2

• Rabea Schmecht, Transport and Climate Change Advisor, GIZ

PANELLISTS PANEL 2

• Danielle Costa de Holanda, General Coordinator of Urban Mobility Planning, Ministry of Cities, Brazil
• Dionisio González, Global Director of Advocacy & Outreach, UITP
• Juan Carlos Muñoz, Minister, Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications of Chile
• Ben Welle, Director, Integrated Transport & Innovation, WRI