Global | Antalya

Better connectivity, less waiting, fewer emissions: IRU at COP31

12 Nov 2026 · Environment

At COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, IRU highlighted how better connectivity, more efficient borders, digitalisation and international cooperation can help cut transport emissions. IRU also joined government and business leaders to advance a shared agenda for greener, more connected trade.

IRU President Radu Dinescu represented the road transport industry at two high-level events on COP31's Energy and Transport Day, alongside senior government officials and international organisations.

The discussions focused on a central message: decarbonising freight transport requires more than cleaner vehicles and alternative fuels. Making international transport better connected and more efficient is equally important.

Turning green freight corridors into reality

At the Ministerial Roundtable on the Global Green Freight Corridors Initiative, Radu Dinescu welcomed the new initiative led by Türkiye's Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

The meeting, organised with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, brought together ministers and international organisations.

The initiative aims to accelerate the development of sustainable freight corridors through international cooperation, investment, digitalisation and regulatory harmonisation.

"There is no green transition without connected and efficient transport, and there is no efficient transport without international cooperation and open trade," said Radu Dinescu.

He stressed that green corridors must go beyond infrastructure and new vehicle technologies. Faster border crossings, harmonised procedures and digital transport documents can already deliver significant environmental benefits.

The TIR system can reduce GHG emissions from border operations by up to 75% compared with traditional transit procedures.

Radu Dinescu also called for the corridor linking Türkiye, the South Caucasus and Central Asia, with connections to China and the Middle East, to become a model green freight corridor.

Linking climate action with connectivity and trade

IRU joined Türkiye's Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Durmus Ünüvar and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye (TOBB) board member Ali Candir at a high-level public–private leadership event.

Jointly organised by the Ministry, TOBB and IRU, the event highlighted Türkiye's strategic role in connecting Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Discussions covered trade facilitation, digitalisation, driver mobility and workforce development in road transport.

"Sometimes, the quickest and most impactful climate action comes from strengthening regional and international connectivity to make transport move more efficiently," said Radu Dinescu.

The event also marked the signing of a joint private sector declaration as part of the COP31 Business Forum.

The declaration reaffirms the industry's commitment to sustainable transport and international connectivity, in line with IRU's Green Compact and the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport.

It calls on governments to reduce border red tape, harmonise and digitalise procedures, remove barriers to professional driver mobility and strengthen public–private cooperation.

Through its work on TIR, eTIR, CMR and other international transport instruments, IRU will continue supporting greener and more efficient freight corridors.

High-level talks

IRU also held a series of high-level meetings with government officials to advance cooperation on key transport priorities.

COP 31 transport minister — Radu Dinescu and Türkiye’s Minister of Transport

Discussions with Pakistan’s Minister of Transport focused on trade facilitation and the use of TIR, while talks with the Czech Republic’s Vice-Minister of Transport addressed visa and permit-related bottlenecks.

IRU also met with Türkiye’s Minister of Transport to discuss key COP31 messages and cooperation ahead of the country’s upcoming ITF Presidency.

Finally, discussions with the Turkish representative on the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on the Freedom of Transit focused on connectivity and visa challenges.

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