Saudi Arabia | Riyadh

A circular economy needs road transport, IRU stresses in Riyadh

26 Oct 2023 · People, Prosperity, Environment

IRU, the world road transport organisation, outlined the sector’s critical role in fostering a circular economy as it marked its 75th anniversary with its members and partners from the region at Saudi Arabia’s Supply Chain and Logistics Conference.

A global audience of industry leaders and experts gathered at this year’s Supply Chain and Logistics Conference to explore the Kingdom’s transition to a circular economy in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

IRU President Radu Dinescu delivered an opening keynote speech, highlighting emerging megatrends and patterns, the global disruptions that the road transport industry is facing, and the solutions being pursued by the IRU network.

Radu Dinescu said, “IRU remains committed to supporting the Kingdom in achieving its National Vision 2030 and becoming a leading hub for trade, logistics and sustainability at the heart of the Middle East. The discussions being held during this conference have highlighted the nation's remarkable progress towards achieving this ambitious objective.”

IRU also hosted an interactive roundtable – featuring Meshal Almofadhi (General Manager of Freight Transportation, Transport General Authority), Vincent Erard (Senior Director – Strategy & Development, IRU), Eyad Karadsheh (VP Land Transport – MEA, DB Schenker), Denice Viktoria Staaf (Global Director, Supply Chain Sustainability and Circularity Initiatives, VCARE Academy) and Jonas Velez Gonzalez-Tarrio (Chief Operating Officer, Alsa) – on the essential role of sustainable road transport in transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

The speakers discussed how the IRU Green Compact, along with TIR and RoadMasters, can reduce the industry’s CO₂ emissions and guide supply chains in becoming more traceable, sustainable and efficient.

The panellists also elaborated on opportunities for public-private synergies to ensure a successful and efficient transition to circularity.

Commenting on the overall participation of IRU at the conference, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “IRU, like in previous years, actively participated at the Supply Chain and Logistics Conference as we are fully convinced that the Kingdom will achieve its Vision 2030.”

“Saudi Arabia is on track to becoming a leader of development in the region. It is no coincidence that the Kingdom leaped 17 places this year on the global Logistics Performance Index, now ranking in the top third globally. By embracing road transport and optimising its potential for shared mobility and sustainable trade and transit, the Kingdom will nurture a circular economy,” he added.

The fifth edition of the annual Supply Chain and Logistics Conference was held under the auspices of H.E. Eng Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services.

Road transport excellence

In a special side ceremony, IRU signed new partnerships with AlMajdouie Logistics and the Saudi Arabia Public Transport Company to strengthen their road safety and sustainability standards with RoadMasters, IRU’s risk and talent management system.