Azerbaijan assumes presidency of International Transport Forum Summit

Azerbaijan has officially taken over the presidency of the International Transport Forum (ITF) 2025 during the annual summit held in Leipzig, Germany.

The presidency was handed over from Chile to Azerbaijan for the 2025–2026 term.

Azerbaijan’s election to this role was confirmed by unanimous agreement among ITF member states in 2023 — marking the first time Azerbaijan has assumed the presidency of the organization.

The country was represented at the event by a delegation led by Rahman Hummatov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport.

More than 1200 delegates from around the world came together in Leipzig for the forum, centered on the theme “Transport Resilience to Global Shocks”, to discuss ways to protect global supply chains and transport systems in general against shocks and disruptions. Dozens of panels, workshops, side events with more than 110 speakers explored the issue.

In his remarks at the meeting of the Council of Transport Ministers, Rahman Hummatov highlighted the steps taken by Azerbaijan towards building transport systems that can withstand global shocks. The Deputy Minister also emphasized Azerbaijan's active involvement in regional transport projects, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in this area. He noted that as part of the post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the Karabakh region, large investments have been made in the construction of modern highways, airports and the reconstruction of urban infrastructure.

Rahman Hummatov underscored the significance of this milestone, stating that the presidency is not just a formal responsibility, but a reflection of Azerbaijan’s long-term commitment to modernizing transport systems: “This presidency for Azerbaijan is not just a task, but a continuation of extensive efforts to promote more innovative, greener and more connected transport systems.”

Rahman Hummatov also held meetings with delegations from numerous countries as part of the summit to explore the issues of mutual interest and prospects for cooperation.

The summit also featured an exhibition where partners of the International Transport Forum showcased their products, services and innovative initiatives. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Digital Development and Transport also presented its stand at the function.

The ITF Summit is the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers and the premier global transport policy event. Since 2008, ministers from ITF’s 69 member countries, heads of international organizations, parliamentarians, and leaders from industry and academia meet annually for three days to discuss the future of transport and mobility.