International Transport Forum

International Transport Forum is an intergovernmental organization that aims to shape the transport policy agenda on a global level, in cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and other partners such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, and the World Bank. The Forum's work is guided by the principles of the OECD Convention, which emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and coordination in addressing global challenges. The International Transport Forum works closely with other international organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization, International Maritime Organization, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Its members include countries from around the world, such as Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, United Kingdom, and the United States.

● Introduction

The International Transport Forum is a unique platform for discussion and cooperation among its member countries, which include Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The Forum's work is focused on addressing the challenges facing the transport sector, such as climate change, sustainable development, and road safety, in collaboration with organizations like the European Commission, International Energy Agency, and the World Road Association. The International Transport Forum also engages with other stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and academic institutions, such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Oxford. This collaborative approach enables the Forum to develop effective solutions to the complex problems facing the transport sector, in partnership with organizations like the Asian Development Bank, African Development Bank, and the Inter-American Development Bank.

● History

The International Transport Forum was established in 2006, with the signing of the OECD Council Resolution by the OECD Council, which comprises representatives from OECD member countries, including Chile, Estonia, Slovenia, and Turkey. The Forum's creation was the result of a long process of consultation and negotiation among the OECD member countries, with input from other international organizations, such as the International Labour Organization, United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Trade Organization. The first meeting of the International Transport Forum took place in 2008, in Leipzig, Germany, and was attended by representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, among others. Since then, the Forum has held annual meetings in different locations around the world, including Tokyo, Japan, Seoul, South Korea, and Leipzig, Germany, with participation from organizations like the European Investment Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the New Development Bank.

● Membership

The International Transport Forum has 64 member countries, including Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, and Ukraine. These countries are represented on the Forum's decision-making body, the Council of Ministers of Transport, which is composed of ministers from member countries, such as the Minister of Transport of Canada, Minister of Transport of Australia, and the Minister of Transport of the United Kingdom. The International Transport Forum also has a number of observer countries, including Bahrain, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Oman, Panama, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam, which participate in the Forum's activities and contribute to its work, in collaboration with organizations like the African Union, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the European Union.

● Organization

The International Transport Forum is headed by a Secretary-General, who is appointed by the OECD Council for a term of five years, in consultation with organizations like the International Transport Workers' Federation and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. The current Secretary-General is Young Tae Kim, who has previously worked with the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Asian Development Bank. The Forum's secretariat is based in Paris, France, and is responsible for the day-to-day work of the organization, in collaboration with other international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the United Nations Development Programme. The International Transport Forum also has a number of committees and working groups, which focus on specific policy areas, such as transport and climate change, road safety, and transport and trade, and work closely with organizations like the International Air Transport Association, International Association of Ports and Harbors, and the International Road Transport Union.

● Activities

The International Transport Forum organizes a number of activities throughout the year, including the annual Transport Summit, which brings together ministers, officials, and experts from around the world to discuss key transport policy issues, such as sustainable transport, transport infrastructure, and transport and urban development, in partnership with organizations like the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, International Council on Clean Transportation, and the World Resources Institute. The Forum also conducts research and analysis on transport policy issues, and publishes reports and other materials, such as the Transport Outlook and the Annual Report, which provide insights and recommendations for policymakers, in collaboration with institutions like the Brookings Institution, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the World Economic Forum. Additionally, the International Transport Forum provides a platform for its member countries to share best practices and experiences, and to learn from each other, through events like the Transport Research Arena and the International Transport Forum Awards, which recognize excellence in transport policy and practice, in partnership with organizations like the European Transport Safety Council, International Association of Public Transport, and the World Association for Transport and Land Use Research.

● Policy Areas

The International Transport Forum focuses on a number of key policy areas, including transport and climate change, road safety, transport and trade, transport and urban development, and transport infrastructure, in collaboration with organizations like the International Council on Systems Engineering, Society of Automotive Engineers, and the World Road Association. The Forum also works on issues related to sustainable transport, such as electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and public transport, in partnership with institutions like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, International Energy Agency, and the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport. Additionally, the International Transport Forum addresses issues related to transport and social inclusion, such as accessibility, mobility, and equity, in collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organization, United Nations Children's Fund, and the International Disability Alliance. The Forum's work in these policy areas is guided by the principles of sustainable development, social responsibility, and economic efficiency, and is informed by the expertise of organizations like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, International Chamber of Commerce, and the World Economic Forum.