Global Logistics Forum

Hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, the ministers will discuss new opportunities as the logistics landscape reshapes. Through a collaborative lens, they will examine pioneering initiatives that can reinforce the broader logistics ecosystem, for the benefit of all. 

Mark your calendar to not miss out on the biggest and most influential gathering of public and private industry leaders and pioneers. Blazing a trail for prosperity across continents, join the event that will reshape the global map of logistics.

The upcoming edition of the Global Logistics Forum will take place on 13 and 14 October 2024 at the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Envisioning a new global map of logistics to enhance supply chains and trade, the inaugural Global Logistics Forum will convene global ecosystem partners to spur efficiency, resilience, sustainability and profitability boosting prosperity for all in a globalised world.

Against a backdrop of international tensions, economic instability, disrupted supply chains and climate change, logistics finds itself at a critical junction. With entire industries and societies depending on the seamless efficiency of the sector, the time has come to collaborate and build a more resilient, sustainable future for global trade.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto will participate on the panel on "Frictionless Borders and Swift Logistics". Faster customs, smarter routes and tech-powered logistics will facilitate international trade, but how do we make borders frictionless and supply chains seamless? This panel will explore automated clearance and digital trade corridors to unlock quick paperless borders, how AI can optimise routes, predict disruptions and connect traders across continents, and how to leverage blockchain to build trust and collaboration between governments and businesses to generate a frictionless future for global trade. 

IRU Senior Director of Strategy and Development Vincent Erard will participate on the panel on "Navigating the Road Ahead – EVs , Autonomous Driving and Traditional Trucking". The road logistics landscape is growing while also undergoing transformation, driven by economic factors, geopolitical shifts and technological advancements. While EVs hold promise, their adoption faces challenges. The US and China are leading the way, however, EV infrastructure is lacking almost everywhere in the world. Question marks loom around return on investment and true sustainability. Today, traditional trucking remains vital across all markets, but also faces its share of challenges, including rising fuel costs, driver shortages, congestion and sustainability constraints. In this discussion, we consider how the future of road transport logistics is likely to look, and when and where we’ll see transformation.