Global Summit of Transport Ministers to Debate Seamless Transport

March 19, 2012
Ministers and industry leaders to meet in Leipzig, Germany, May 2-4.

The 2012 Summit of Transport Ministers, organized by the International Transport Forum at the OECD, will convene on May 2-4 in Leipzig, Germany. The Summit brings together ministers, industry leaders and top thinkers from the forum’s 53 member countries and beyond, to examine the issue of connectivity.

The 2012 Summit “Seamless Transport: Making Connections” will focus on the ways in which seamless transport can better connect people and markets, systems and sectors. With a wide range of global players present, and a ministerial meeting at its core, the summit will push the agenda of better connectivity.

“More than ever international transport systems are connected” says Hans Michael Kloth, acting secretary general of the International Transport Forum. “We have to find a way to make use of the advantages of all modes of transport including planes, trains, cars, public transport, bikes and walking. This is how we can provide innovative solutions which guarantee mobility at highest level while still taking into account environmental concerns.”

Influential speakers from across the globe will spearhead various seminars, workshops, and open forums. Angel Gurría, secretary-general of the OECD, Siim Kallas, vice president of the European Commission, Koji Sekimizu, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Luca di Montezemolo, chairman of Ferrari and Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori, Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn are just a few of the key-note speakers.

Stimulating technical tours at locations such as, the DHL Logistics Distribution Centre, BMW Leipzig and the Porsche Plant, will keep journalists and media up to date with technical advancements. Additionally, a bike tour of Leipzig led by the mayor of Leipzig will allow participants to witness the various seamless transport measures the city has implemented.

Several side events will be held on site. Eco-driving will provide journalists the opportunity to sign up for a 30 minute test-drive lesson, where they can experience the cars and technology first-hand.

For more information about the annual summit please visit: www.internationaltransportforum.org/2012