The global road to greater sustainability and resilience

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.