Abu Dhabi - The UAE is the only GCC nation that was part of the 60-member countries of the ITF.
Published: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 7:16 PM
Updated: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 9:24 PM
To tackle transportation issues, governments need to adopt a multi-dimensional approach associating private and non-government organisations, said Young Tae-kim, secretary-general of the International Transport Forum (ITF) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Young was speaking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the World Road Congress, which took place in Abu Dhabi from October 3 to 11. The UAE is the only GCC nation that was part of the 60-member countries of the ITF.
Young said he had held several bilateral talks with Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Infrastructure Development and chairman of the Federal Transport Authority for Land and Maritime.
"Out of the 60 countries that are ITF members, only 16 are non-European," Young said, urging the need for more diversity in the ITF.
UAE ready to find new energy source
He praised Abu Dhabi's efforts in organising the World Road Congress and said governments in this region need to work together to 'de-carbonise' the transportation sector.
"The minister (Al Nuaimi) told us that the UAE is ready to cooperate and work with the world to find new fuel sources for future mobility systems," said Young.
Speaking on the subject of road safety in the UAE, the secretary-general recommended strict regulation in the trade sector to ensure that all vehicles imported into the UAE are compliant with international safety standards.
"ITF is keen on promoting road safety issues. Strengthening education and campaigning is also important to avoid accidents," he added.
Commenting on the upcoming Dubai Expo 2020, Young said such large-scale events are a great opportunity for the UAE. "I am aware that the UAE is actively involved in organising international events. It provides an efficient platform for discussion. Continuous discussion and working together with other countries is critical to combat issues within the transport sector."
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com
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