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Azerbaijan receives presidency to ITF Summit

23 May 2025 12:14 (UTC +04:00)

Presidency of the International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit has been handed over to Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport (MDDT) told APA-Economics.

Thus, the International Transport Forum 2025 Summit is being held in Leipzig, Germany. Azerbaijan is represented at the event by a delegation led by Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rahman Hummatov.

More than 1,200 representatives from over 80 countries have participated in the summit.

The event is dedicated to the theme “Transport Resilience to Global Shocks.” Participants discussed ways to ensure the resilience of transport systems amid the difficulties created by disruptive factors such as natural disasters, pandemics, cyber threats, and geopolitical crises.

Deputy Minister Rahman Hummatov delivering a speech at the Council of Transport Ministers meeting, presented Azerbaijan's steps toward creating transport systems resilient to global shocks. He provided information about digitalization in urban infrastructure, including the “Digital Twin” project, and work done toward the development of 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 area. He noted that within the framework of post-conflict reconstruction in the Karabakh region, large investments have been made in the construction of modern highways, airports, and the reconstruction of urban infrastructure. This is of significant importance for the revival of the region and the revitalization of transport connections.

At the event, the presidency of the International Transport Forum Summit for the years 2025–2026 was officially transferred from Chile to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan was elected to this position by unanimous decision of the member states in 2023 and has assumed the presidency for the first time.

“For Azerbaijan, this presidency is not just a duty, but a continuation of our broader efforts to promote more innovative, greener, and more connected transport systems. We know that transport is not just infrastructure—it is a tool for economic development, regional cooperation, and social inclusion,” said Deputy Minister Rahman Hummatov at the ministers’ press conference.

Within the framework of the summit, Rahman Hummatov also held meetings with delegations from a number of countries. 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 also had a booth at the exhibition. Secretary-General of the International Transport Forum Young Tae Kim as well as ministers and heads of delegations participating in the summit, visited the booth. Visitors were provided with detailed information about Azerbaijan’s achievements in the field of transport.

Note that the International Transport Forum has 69 member countries. The Republic of Azerbaijan has been a full member of this organization since 1998. Since 2008, this summit has been held regularly and plays a significant role in shaping global transport policy.