Rapid advances in vehicle automation and connectivity are poised to transform inland transportation, impacting rural and urban life, over the coming decade and beyond. Full digitalization of transit paper-based processes and other data-based technological innovations will be transformative, streamlining international freight procedures, reducing administrative burdens, enhancing transparency, and improving the efficiency, speed and security of international transport operations.
However, these advances also bring in new risks and challenges: a mismatch between the pace of innovation and regulation, a lack of data and scientific evidence to support new legal and technical standards, uneven deployment, cyber vulnerabilities and incompatible digital standards.
Accelerating the responsible integration of innovative technologies in inland transport and promoting efficiency and interoperability across borders and sectors will therefore be at the centre of discussions at the 88th annual session of UNECE’s Inland Transport Committee (ITC), the main UN regulatory body for inland transport - performing a function similar to the regulatory bodies for air and sea transport - International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International Maritime Organization (IMO) - respectively.
Over four days, more than 25 ministers from all regions of the world, alongside senior government officials, heads of international organizations, and leaders from industry and civil society, will discuss strategic priorities and consider a wide range of policy, governance and technical issues shaping the future of inland transport across road, rail, inland waterways and intermodal systems, as well as how to make the Inland Transport Committee more effective and fit for the future.
The central part of the discussion will take place on Wednesday, 18 February, during the High-level Segment under the theme “Driving Innovation for the Future of Inland Transport,” with three ministerial panel discussions on:
- Innovation and automation in inland transport
- Connectivity, mobility and trade
- Infrastructure, data and digitalization
The panels will feature participation by senior government decision-makers responsible for transport, infrastructure and mobility policy, as well as senior representatives of international and regional organizations, including the International Transport Forum (ITF), International Road Transport Union (IRU), International Union of Railways (UIC), International Motor Vehicles Inspection Committee (CITA), International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA), and other key partners in the global transport system.
The High-level Segment will move beyond general discussion of innovation to focus on real policy choices governments face today, including:
- How should governments regulate AI-driven and automated vehicles before the technology is fully mature — and how do they avoid slowing innovation while ensuring safety?
- Can countries align digital standards and data systems to allow trucks, trains and cargo to move seamlessly across borders — without creating new cybersecurity risks or digital divides?
- How can digital transit tools and real-time data reduce congestion, cut emissions and speed up trade — particularly for developing and landlocked countries?
- What role should international rules play in setting minimum safety and performance standards for emerging technologies, so that the public can trust them?
A special event during the High-level Segment will highlight the 80th anniversary of the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR Convention) and its continued relevance and evolution.
As part of the High-level Segment on 18 February, participants will also be able to witness a live demonstration – co-organized in cooperation with DEKRA and the Coalition for Cyclist Safety – showcasing how next-generation intelligent transport systems can protect cyclists and improve the safety of vulnerable road users.
From 19–20 February, during the ITC session, UNECE will also co-organize with SLOCAT and Climate Compatible Growth a workshop on “Towards a monitoring and tracking framework for the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.” The workshop will convene governments, development partners, international organizations and experts to advance a knowledge-driven framework to monitor progress and support implementation of the United Nations Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035).
Note to editors
The Inland Transport Committee is the United Nations’ unique global platform for inland transport, bringing together all United Nations Member States. It oversees more than 60 international legal instruments covering vehicle regulations, transport of dangerous goods, border facilitation, infrastructure networks, and multimodal transport.
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