The Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF) has opened in Leipzig, Germany, bringing together global transport leaders under the chairmanship of Azerbaijan. The 2026 edition is focused on “Financing Sustainable Transport,” with discussions centered on climate change, urbanisation and technological innovation.
Speaking at the opening press conference, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev thanked the ITF for its cooperation and highlighted a successful year of Azerbaijani leadership in the organisation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.
He said Azerbaijan had worked to strengthen the forum’s institutional effectiveness and build consensus among member states, noting that agreement had been reached on the organisation’s work programme. Nabiyev added that Azerbaijan’s presidency had been structured around five key priorities, with results being presented at this year’s summit.
ITF Secretary-General Young Tae Kim praised Azerbaijan’s contribution, saying it had brought valuable experience-sharing to the forum and strengthened cooperation among members.
The ITF summit, considered the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers and a leading global transport policy platform, has been held annually in Leipzig since 2008. This year’s meeting brings together ministers from 69 member countries, alongside representatives from international organisations, parliaments, academia and industry.
Organisers said more than 1,200 delegates from over 80 countries are participating, reflecting the forum’s growing international reach and increasing engagement from the private sector.
The 2026 summit forms part of the ITF’s 2025–2027 thematic cycle on transport sustainability, with this year’s discussions aimed at improving long-term connectivity, efficiency and resilience of global transport systems.
By Sabina Mammadli
