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PIARC (World Road Association), founded in 1909 and comprising 125 member governments from all over the world, is the global forum for exchange of knowledge and experience on roads, road transport policies and practices. With consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the Association is contributing to a stable and sustainable global development of the road and transport sector.

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2024: A year of growth, change, and new horizons for PIARC

19 December 2024

As 2024 draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the strides PIARC has made in the past year and look forward to an exciting 2025 ahead. This year marked a transition as the Association continued its work under the new 2024-2027 cycle, focusing on resilience, innovation, and sustainability in road transport.

2024: A year of growth, change, and new horizons for PIARC

With 129 member governments—including the addition of Armenia, Rwanda, and Cyprus—PIARC reinforced its global presence, welcoming new voices and perspectives. This growing network was complemented by the expansion of its Technical Committees, now comprising approximately 1,800 experts—a remarkable 50% increase from the previous cycle.

Council Meeting in Andorra: Setting the stage for 2025

A major highlight of the year was the Council Meeting held in Andorra in November, where members came together to reflect on progress and elect the Association's future leadership. Starting in January 2025, Emanuela Stocchi (Italy) will lead PIARC as President, supported by Vice Presidents Alexander Walcher (Austria), Dharmananda Sarangi (India), and Mamoudou Alassane Camara (Senegal). This new team will build upon the solid foundation established under the guidance of Nazir Alli, who will continue to serve as President until December 31, 2024. Discussions in Andorra also centered on critical topics such as the role of artificial intelligence in road transport and effective disaster response strategies. Case studies from Japan, New Zealand, and Chile highlighted the importance of Rapid Impact Assessment for swift decision-making during emergencies.

A productive 2024: Knowledge sharing across the Globe

Throughout 2024, PIARC’s Technical Committees demonstrated extraordinary dynamism, organizing over 20 seminars and workshops in 17 countries, tackling crucial issues and fostering global knowledge exchange. 

Highlights of the year included:

  • The International Seminar on the "Transport Agency of the Future" in Thailand, led by TC 1.1, which explored strategies to adapt agencies to evolving societal and technological demands.
  • The International Seminar on "Advances in Bridge Management" in India, spearheaded by TC 4.2, addressing challenges in the design and maintenance of bridges worldwide.
  • The International Workshop on Road Safety in Thailand, organized by TC 3.1, which emphasized best practices and innovative approaches to improve safety on roads.
  • The International Workshop on Road Infrastructure for Decarbonization in Australia, hosted by TC 3.5, which focused on sustainable solutions for reducing carbon footprints in road infrastructure.
  • The International Workshop on Freight Transport Regulations in Turkey, led by TC 2.3, addressing efficient regulation of freight vehicle access to roads and bridges.
  • The International Forum on Highway Investment and Green Infrastructure in China, conducted by TC 1.3, which delved into financing innovation and enhancing value through sustainable practices.
  • The International Workshop on Tunnel Sustainability in Australia, organized by TC 4.4, which discussed lifecycle interventions to improve the sustainability of road tunnels.
  • The International Workshop on Rural and Interurban Road Networks in Romania, led by TC 2.2, which tackled challenges unique to rural and interurban settings.
  • The Online Webinar on Renewal of Aging Infrastructure, led by TC 3.3, which provided innovative strategies for rejuvenating old road assets.
  • The International Session on Disaster Management in the United Kingdom, coordinated by TC 1.5, which presented case studies on preparedness and response strategies for road transport systems.
  • The International Session on Asset Management in the United Kingdom, also facilitated by TC 3.3, emphasizing strategies for effective road infrastructure management.
  • A closed Workshop on Resilience in the Netherlands, organized by TC 1.4, which brought together experts to address challenges in strengthening road network resilience.
  • A closed Workshop on Urban Mobility in Switzerland, hosted by TC 2.2, which focused on sustainable mobility solutions for urban environments. 

Adding to these achievements, the first report of the 2024–2027 work cycle, "Envisioning the Transport Agency of the Future – State of Knowledge", has already been published—a remarkable milestone that reflects the Technical Committees' commitment to delivering timely and valuable knowledge. 

This impressive collective effort reflects the dedication and expertise of PIARC’s members and Technical Committees. These activities not only foster innovation but also help countries worldwide address pressing challenges in road and transport infrastructure.

2025: A year of innovation and global collaboration

The upcoming year promises an ambitious program of seminars and events to further advance the road and transport sectors. 

Some key gatherings include:

  • An International Seminar on Transportation Asset Management in Tanzania.
  • A Seminar on Climate Resilient Pavements in Tunisia.
  • The Decarbonizing the Road Sector Conference in Vienna, Austria, which will bring together experts to develop global strategies for sustainable infrastructure.
  • Additional events in Kazakhstan, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mexico, and China, covering topics from tunnels to sustainability and resilience. 

PIARC will also continue to emphasize collaboration through workshops and technical activities, helping countries address emerging challenges, particularly in climate adaptation and decarbonization.

Building towards 2026 and beyond

The 17th World Winter Service and Road Resilience Congress will take place from March 10–13, 2026, in Chambéry, France. This major event will showcase cutting-edge practices in winter service and resilience, emphasizing infrastructure solutions for a changing climate. Looking further ahead, the 28th World Road Congress in Vancouver, Canada, in October 2027, will serve as a landmark gathering for the global road community. PIARC’s Call for Papers for the Chambéry Congress remains open until January 2025, inviting experts worldwide to contribute innovative ideas and solutions.

A bright horizon for PIARC

As PIARC enters this next chapter, the Association reaffirms its commitment to fostering global cooperation, driving innovation in road safety, and addressing the challenges posed by climate change and technological transformation. With a strong legacy from 2024 and ambitious plans for 2025, PIARC continues to shape the future of roads and transport for a better-connected, more sustainable world.