Azerbaijan takes over Presidency of International Transport Forum Summit
Azerbaijan has taken over the presidency of the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit for 2025-2026 from Chile, Report informs, citing Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.
This took place at the International Transport Forum 2025 Summit held in Leipzig, Germany on May 21-23. Azerbaijan was unanimously elected to this position by member states in 2023 and has taken on the presidency mission for the first time.
The country is represented at the event by a delegation led by Deputy Minister Rahman Hummatov. More than 1,200 delegates from over 80 countries are attending the summit.
The event is dedicated to the topic "Transport Resilience Against Global Shocks." Participants discussed ways to ensure the sustainability of transport systems against the backdrop of challenges created by disruptive factors such as natural disasters, pandemics, cyber threats, and geopolitical crises.
Hummatov spoke at the Transport Ministers Council meeting, presenting Azerbaijan's steps toward creating transport systems resilient to global shocks. He provided information about digitalization in urban infrastructure, including the implemented Digital Twin project, as well as work on developing green and sustainable transport systems.
The deputy minister also emphasized Azerbaijan's active participation in regional transport projects and the importance of international cooperation in this field. He noted that as part of the post-conflict reconstruction work in the Karabakh region, significant investments have been directed toward building modern highways, airports, and rebuilding urban infrastructure. This is of great importance for the revival of the region and the revitalization of transport connections.
"For Azerbaijan, this presidency is not just a position, but a continuation of our broader efforts to promote more innovative, green, and more connected transport systems. We know that transport is not just infrastructure, but a means for economic development, regional cooperation, and social inclusion," the deputy minister said at the ministers' press conference.
He also held meetings with delegations from several countries during the summit. These meetings included exchanges of views on matters of mutual interest and cooperation prospects.
As part of the summit, an exhibition was also organized where partners of the International Transport Forum presented their products, services, and innovative initiatives. The Ministry of Digital Development and Transport's stand is also being displayed there.
The Secretary General of the International Transport Forum, Young Tae Kim, ministers participating in the summit, and heads of delegations have familiarized themselves with the stand. Visitors were provided with detailed information about Azerbaijan's achievements in the transport sector.
The International Transport Forum has 69 members. Azerbaijan has been a full member of this organization since 1998, and the summit, which has been regularly organized since 2008, plays a significant role in shaping global transport policy.
