Brazil Joins ITF as Observer

Paris, 20 July 2020 - Brazil has become an observer country in the International Transport Forum. Brazil’s request to participate as an observer in the ITF was granted by the 60 current ITF member countries with effect from 15 July.

The ITF is the only global body that covers all transport modes. Its mission is to foster a deeper understanding of the role of transport in economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion and to raise the public profile of transport policy.

The ITF acts as a think tank for transport policy for member countries and as a platform for discussion and pre-negotiation of policy issues across all transport modes. It analyses trends, shares knowledge and promotes exchange among transport decision-makers and civil society. ITF’s Annual Summit is the world’s largest gathering of transport ministers and the leading global platform for dialogue on transport policy.

ITF Secretary-General Young Tae Kim said:

“The International Transport Forum welcomes our new observer country Brazil with arms wide open. We are keen to learn from the country that gave the world one of the great transport innovations of recent decades, Bus Rapid Transit. Equally, the ITF member countries are ready to share their own experiences with Brazil to help address current transport challenges in Latin America’s largest and most populous country. I am sure that it will be a very fruitful collaboration for both sides, and I do hope to see Brazil become a full member of the ITF in due time.”

Ambassador Carlos Marcio Cozendey, Delegate of Brazil to International Economic Organisations in Paris, said:

"Becoming an observer to the ITF is a very important step in the development of a closer relationship between Brazil and the Forum. We highly appreciate the new status granted by member countries to Brazil. We look forward to contributing to the discussions, policy analysis and best practice sharing on transport policies, in this privileged space provided by the ITF."

Observer country status in the ITF is granted for one renewable two-year term.

Media Contact:

Ronan Mac Erlaine
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