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IRU shared the road transport sector’s strategy for a sustainable and resilient mobility future at the International Road Federation’s (IRF’s) World Congress this week.
Türkiye | Istanbul

The global road to greater sustainability and resilience

18 Oct 2024 · Environment

IRU shared the road transport sector’s strategy for a sustainable and resilient mobility future at the International Road Federation’s (IRF’s) World Congress this week.

In a closed-door ministerial meeting at IRF’s 2024 World Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye, IRU laid out the road transport sector’s roadmap to carbon neutrality: the IRU Green Compact.

IRU Vice-President Asli Çalik said, “Road transport underpins every United Nations Sustainable Development Goal. Now with the IRU Green Compact, the road transport community has committed to decarbonise while continuing to efficiently provide its vital services.”

The IRU Green Compact is building a global, pragmatic, collaborative and evidence-based approach to decarbonise road transport.

Green Compact research has shown that the most efficient pathway to carbon neutrality is a dual approach that mobilises efficiency measures right now and implements alternative fuels in the longer term.

“It is important to recognise that no single decarbonisation solution fits every country. Governments must create an enabling environment and infrastructure that encourages innovation and adoption. Our sector needs a regulatory environment that targets CO2 emissions, not basic technology choices,” said Asli Çalik.

“Governments and international stakeholders must work together, with a holistic approach covering all aspects of the challenge, to meet decarbonisation targets,” she added.
 

The global road to greater sustainability and resilience 1
The global road to greater sustainability and resilience 2

Resilience

At the closing plenary on enabling partnerships for resilient societies and economies, Asli Çalik said, “Road transport is not just a ‘regular’ sector. We keep people fed, healthy and supplied with the essentials of life. We are the bedrock of social and economic prosperity, connecting communities and businesses everywhere with safe, efficient and green mobility and logistics.”

“But we’re living in an era of poly-crises, from global pandemics to regional conflicts and earthquakes. In every case, road transport steps up, delivering to those in need. That’s why IRU and its members adopted the IRU Charter 75 in 2023,” she added.

The IRU Charter 75 reinforces road transport’s commitment to help rescue people, rebuild shattered communities, and make mobility networks and supply chains more resilient and better able to withstand future shocks. 

“We need to be resilient. The world needs a resilient road transport sector,” concluded Asli Çalik.

Asli Çalik also held several high-level bilateral meetings at IRF’s World Congress, which brought together industry experts and governments to explore innovative solutions, exchange knowledge and drive progress in the road and mobility sectors.