TRACECA participated in the 2026 International Transport Forum Summit on “Funding Resilient Transport”

The Summit annually serves as a key international platform bringing together ministers, high-level representatives of the relevant ministries and transport authorities of the countries of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as international transport organisations, including the Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA (PS IGC TRACECA).

The theme of this year's Summit, which included open ministerial sessions, was "Funding Resilient Transport". This agenda reflects the pressing need to strengthen the resilience and reliability of transport systems, particularly in the context of global challenges associated with significant economic changes and technological transformation. In this regard, special attention was given to the development of effective investment mechanisms and the elaboration of coordinated approaches to strengthening the stability and security of transport connectivity.

The open ministerial session on the theme “Pillars of Progress: Governance, Innovation, and Cooperation” served as an important platform for discussing issues of transport system resilience, international cooperation and introduction of innovative approaches in the transport sector, at which the Secretary General of the Permanent Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Commission TRACECA, Mr. Asset Assavbayev, delivered a speech.

In his speech, Mr. A. Assavbayev drew attention to the practical TRACECA initiatives aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and developing resilient transport solutions, including the establishment of the TRACECA Fund and the formation of the TRACECA Business Council as a platform for interaction between public and private stakeholders of the transport sector.

“Resilient transport is not only a matter of capital. It is a matter of how we govern, how we innovate and how effectively we cooperate,” emphasized the TRACECA Secretary General, noting the importance of coordinating efforts, introducing innovative mechanisms and developing partnerships for the further strengthening of the resilience of transport and the efficiency of international transportation.

Furthermore, side events were held within the framework of the Summit. In particular, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) organized a session dedicated to the launch of a new financial initiative “Border Upgrades for Integration, Logistics and Development (BUILD)”. This mechanism is aimed at strengthening cross-border transport infrastructure within the CAREC programme. The event brought together representatives of international organizations, financial institutions and participating countries to discuss prospects for financing and developing regional transport connectivity.

For reference:

- The International Transport Forum (ITF) is an intergovernmental organization within the OECD framework bringing together more than 60 countries. The Forum serves as a global platform for developing transport policy, promoting sustainable economic growth, environmental resilience and social integration.

- On 10 September 2018, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the PS IGC TRACECA and the CAREC Institute: MoU between the PS IGC TRACECA and the CAREC Institute.