LEIPZIG TRANSPORT SUMMIT
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Context: Leipzig Transport Summit 2023 to be organised from 23 to 25 May 2023 in Leipzig, Germany.
Details
- The Leipzig Transport Summit 2023 is a landmark event for the global transport community. It brought together ministers, business leaders, researchers and civil society representatives from more than 80 countries to discuss the role of transport as an enabler of economic growth that also drives environmental and social sustainability.
- The summit was organised by the International Transport Forum (ITF), a global transport policy think tank that operates under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
- The theme of the summit was "Transport Enabling Sustainable Economies".
Objectives
- The participants explored how transport can contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change, while also fostering innovation, competitiveness and resilience.
Leipzig Transport Summit 2023 feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions on topics such as:
- How to accelerate the transition to low-carbon and zero-emission transport modes and technologies.
- How to enhance the resilience and inclusiveness of transport systems and services.
- How to foster innovation and digitalization in the transport sector.
- How to align transport policies with the global goals of the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The summit also acknowledged the significant challenges and gaps that remain in achieving sustainable transport outcomes. These include:
- The persistent gap between transport demand and supply, especially in developing countries.
- The high dependence on fossil fuels and the slow uptake of renewable energy sources in transport.
- The lack of adequate data, standards and indicators to measure and monitor transport performance and impacts.
- The insufficient funding and financing mechanisms to support sustainable transport investments.
- The fragmentation and complexity of transport governance structures and processes.
- The unequal access and participation of different groups and regions in transport decision-making and benefits.
The outcome of the summit was a ministerial declaration that reaffirmed the commitment of the ITF member countries to work together to advance sustainable transport policies and actions. The declaration highlighted the following priorities:
- Accelerating the decarbonisation of transport and supporting a green recovery from the pandemic.
- Enhancing the resilience and adaptability of transport systems to shocks and disruptions.
- Leveraging digital technologies and data to improve transport efficiency, quality and innovation.
- Promoting multimodal connectivity and interoperability to facilitate trade, tourism and mobility.
- Investing in sustainable transport infrastructure and services that are aligned with long-term objectives.
- Strengthening the governance and regulation of transport to ensure transparency, accountability and stakeholder engagement.
- Ensuring that transport is inclusive, accessible, affordable, safe and secure for all.
Way Forward
- The Summit called for stronger cooperation and coordination among different levels of government, international organisations, the private sector, civil society and academia to address the common challenges and opportunities in transport.
- The summit emphasised the need for continued action and follow-up to implement the commitments made in the declaration. It urged the ITF to support its member countries and partners in advancing sustainable transport policies and practices through its research, analysis, dialogue and capacity-building activities.
Conclusion
- The Leipzig Transport Summit 2023 was a successful platform for dialogue, exchange and collaboration among the global transport community. It highlighted the importance of transport as a key enabler of sustainable economies that can deliver economic growth, social well-being and environmental protection.
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