With a rich history of collaboration spanning over the years, the IRF and UfM have come together at the sidelines of the annual Summit of the International Transport Forum to formalise their commitment to mutual cooperation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic alliance will allow them to pool their expertise and resources, address pressing challenges and seize opportunities in the road transport and mobility sectors, ultimately contributing to the region’s sustainable development and prosperity.

Today, as the Euro-Mediterranean region faces unprecedented challenges relating to road safety, decarbonisation, digitalisation, and innovation, the IRF and UfM remain steadfast in their dedication to advancing their shared objectives. Under the terms of the agreement, the parties will work closely to exchange information, coordinate activities, and organise joint initiatives in these key areas, aiming to enhance regional integration and promote sustainable mobility solutions. For at least three years from its entry into force, the partnership will help foster collaboration on professional training courses, conferences, and projects in addition to data collection and analysis efforts.

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, IRF Director General, Susanna Zammataro, stated, “We are thrilled to mark a further step forward in our partnership with the Union for the Mediterranean through this Memorandum of Understanding. We believe in the power of ‘partnerships to deliver’. By joining forces, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to deliver change and concrete results.”

UfM Head of Sector for Transport, Francesc Carbonell, remarked, “The goal of the Union for the Mediterranean in the field of transport is to achieve a gradual, but solid progress towards developing an integrated, multimodal, efficient, sustainable and resilient transport network, with a view to achieving deeper integration among Euro-Mediterranean countries. This MoU with the International Road Federation marks a significant step forward in our efforts to enhance mobility and connectivity across the region.”