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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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  2. Discovering PIARC
  3. Benefits of the Association

Benefits of the Association

A powerful platform for knowledge sharing

The Association has assembled several key forums, committees and groups:

Technical Committees

Technical Committees unite experts from numerous areas including road safety and design, network operations and maintenance, finance and governance. Experts are nominated by member countries to work on issues identified under the Associations' Strategic Plan, a key'directions' document endorsed by member countries. Technical Committees allow participants to access global information and expertise, along with professional development and networking opportunities.

National Committees

National Committees exist as a national level forum in over 40 member countries and maintain similar objectives to the international Association. Committees provide and facilitate two-way communication and participation in Association events, along with access to global road transport information.

World Road Congress

World Road Congress is held every four years (since 1908) and is attended by over 4,000 road professionals. As the premier event for the road sector, the Congress (and associated exhibition) provides information and discussion forums on current best practice to develop a modern day'snapshot' of the road sector and the challenges it faces.

International Winter Road Congress

International Winter Road Congress is a world-class conference uniting winter road experts from across the globe. It promotes knowledge sharing on winter road issues between countries who experience a severe climate. Held every four years (since 1969), it is organised by the Association and complements the World Road Congress.

International Stakeholder Partnerships/Strategies

Between the Association and key international road transport sector organisations work to create synergies and promote outreach initiatives. Groups include the regional associations of road administrations and agencies (CEDR, REAAA, and DIRCAIBEA), the World Bank and international technical organisations such as the International Tunnel Association, FISITA, and the like.

International seminars

International Seminars are instigated and hosted by the Association in support of sharing knowledge with developing countries. An international seminar program is offered to developing countries and nations in transition. Members can participate in these events by attending, exhibiting or presenting to delegates on current and emerging issues. Members can access all corresponding seminar presentations and reports.