Opening Session

As the backbone of global mobility, roads connect people, economies and opportunities. Yet the road sector now stands at a pivotal moment where the choices made today will determine whether transport systems become enablers of sustainable development or barriers to it. 

This opening plenary sets the tone for the Conference by reimagining how road infrastructure can deliver on the promise of the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2036). It will explore how roads can act not only as conduits for movement but also as catalysts for climate action, resilience, social inclusion, and economic transformation — advancing both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement. 

As a “departure point” from the Decade’s launch on 10 December 2025, this session will feature key stakeholders from the road sector to reflect on what the Decade means for their mandates and commitments. Discussions will focus on how to scale up financing, innovation, and partnerships to turn the Decade’s vision into practical outcomes on the ground.  

The session will also present the voluntary commitment led by IRF and partners to shape the road sector’s contribution over the next ten years toward inclusive, safe, green, and resilient roads worldwide.