Every year on 26 November, the world marks UN World Sustainable Transport Day, a moment to reflect on the essential role of sustainable, integrated, and people-centred transport systems. Established through United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/148, the day underscores the importance of safe, affordable, accessible, and environmentally sustainable transport in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is a call for countries, cities, and organisations to enhance cooperation across all transport modes, strengthen infrastructure, and embrace innovative technologies to create resilient and inclusive mobility systems.
At ERTICO – ITS Europe, it is a day which reminds ourselves and our Partners of the dedicated contribution and impact on innovation and collaboration across both public and private stakeholders in the mobility ecosystem. This year, we emphasise on the renewed mission, vision, and four strategic areas which help guiding the joint ambition to accelerate intelligent, safe, and resilient mobility across Europe.
Empowering intelligent, safe and resilient mobility
ERTICO’s vision is clear: to empower intelligent, safe and resilient mobility for an inclusive and sustainable society. This vision is brought to life through our mission, focusing on connecting stakeholders, leveraging innovation and knowledge exchange while promoting the deployment of integrated, user-centric transport solutions.
This integrated approach is reflected across to all our activities. From EU-funded projects, Innovation Platforms and ITS Congresses to strategic partnerships and thought leadership initiatives, every activity and initiative contributes to the broader goals of sustainability and safety.
To turn this vision into reality, ERTICO organises its work around four newly adopted strategic areas, each designed to guide initiatives, ensure measurable impact, and drive real-world deployment. Supported by clearly defined enablers and outcomes, these areas form the backbone of our roadmaps, shaping every action, setting benchmarks for success, and translating innovation into tangible results across cities, regions, and nations.
As Vladimir Vorotovic, Director Strategy and Innovation explains, true innovation happens when we unite different perspectives to tackle shared challenges. The approach ensures that technological advancements are not developed in isolation but are integrated into a broader vision for sustainable and intelligent mobility.
Collaboration at the Building Progress Through Partnership
Partnerships is also central to ERTICO’s approach. By bringing together governments, industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, we integrate technological advancements into broader societal solutions. From road and rail to maritime and urban mobility, we champion innovation and collaboration across the transport ecosystem.
On this day, we reflect on the UN’s call for multimodal transport systems that are safe, accessible, energy-efficient, and resilient. These priorities underpin ERTICO’s work to advance technology-driven solutions, support digitalisation, and strengthen collaboration across sectors and regions.
“At the core, our priorities remain clear, Joost Vantomme highlights, deepening our thought leadership and representing the voice of our Partnership to achieve safer, more resilient and efficient mobility solutions for an inclusive society.”
Looking Forward: Our Path to Sustainable Transport
As the world reflects on the importance of sustainable transport, ERTICO reaffirms its commitment to leading with vision, strategy, and measurable impact. We are not only observing the transformation of mobility; we are shaping it.
This momentum now moves towards the ITS European Congress in Istanbul, taking place from 27-29 April 2026, where Europe’s intelligent transport community will convene to explore solutions that advance safer, smarter, and greener mobility. As a cross-continental hub bridging Europe and Asia, Istanbul will be the ideal city to host the dialogue on sustainable, connected, and resilient transport systems.
Reflecting on this day and on more than two decades of Congress leadership, Didier Gorteman, Chief Finance & Operations Officer shares his thoughts on the value of the ITS Congresses, “These events are ERTICO’s flagship contribution to Europe’s sustainable mobility agenda and each edition represent the ideal place where ideas are being tested, partnerships are forged, and innovation turns into action. On a day like today, our mission becomes even more meaningful, reminding us of the impact of the work we do.”
Reflection on this day and the upcoming editions, he continues, “These events are where knowledge, policy, and technology meet. They turn innovation into action for the benefit of the entire European and global mobility ecosystem, from the 2023 Lisbon’s urban-driven approach to 2025 Seville’s climate-resilient solutions, and our upcoming 2026 Istanbul Congress will take this even further by highlighting cross-continental innovation that supports global sustainability goals.”
Through collaboration, innovation, and evidence-based action, ERTICO continues to build the foundations of a mobility future that benefits people, cities, and society at large.
Explore ERTICO’s latest projects, strategic initiatives, and partnerships to see how we are turning vision into action and accelerating Europe-wide sustainable mobility.