New Years Day is the first page in a blank book: Let us write a phenomenal story! Wish you and your family a joyous new year full of happiness and success. May the coming year and cycle be a mosaic of laughter, success and, memorable moments weaving together the threads of shared experiences and new found aspirations.

As we enter a new year and the start of the new cycle filled with possibilities, it gives me great pleasure to reflect on the last cycle, the memorable achievements of PIARC, and the future. A true testament to the steadfast support from our member countries and volunteers who do the hard work.

In the last cycle, PIARC achieved significant milestones. Two Congresses – the World Winter Service and Road Resilience Congress in Calgary followed by the World Road Congress in Prague, the completion of the tasks set out in the Strategic Plan for the 2022-2023 cycle; numerous publications and seminars. Through the generosity of our volunteer Committees, we have cultivated an environment that fosters innovation, excellence, and shared experiences that are mutually beneficial to our member countries. I am incredibly grateful for that generosity.

The new cycle 2024-2027 begins with the kick-off meetings that take place in Paris from 31st January to 14th February 2024. This is where the Committees meet for the first time to get to know each other, to fine-tune the terms of reference of their respective topics and to plan and set their work programme for the cycle as per the approved Strategic Plan.

One of the highlights of the last two years has been: Qatar, the Republic of Georgia, San Marina, Kazakhstan, the Republic of Djibouti, Rwanda joining the PIARC family – you are all welcome!

I take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and the General Secretariat staff, to whom I wish successful deliberations and a fabulous thriving cycle.