The IRU, together with its national Member Associations and in close cooperation with the relevant intergovernmental bodies at regional or global level, constantly develops initiatives that concretely support sustainable development and further facilitate road transport worldwide.

The IRU is currently involved in reopening the ancient Silk Road to trade by road transport to help landlocked countries on the Eurasian landmass reap the full benefit of globalisation, and in the promotion of increased collective transport by bus and coach as the Smart Move to achieve sustainable mobility for all.