Riyadh, November 3, 2024 — Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority (RGA), Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, officially inaugurated the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition today under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow.” The two-day event, hosted by the RGA in partnership with the International Road Federation, has brought together over 1,000 road experts and specialists from more than 50 countries, including representatives from numerous global companies.
Context and Background
The conference underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in the global road sector. In his keynote address, Al-Jasser highlighted that the Kingdom ranks first worldwide in road connectivity and fourth among G20 nations in road quality. He expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, which has enabled significant progress in the transport and logistics sector.
Key Details
Al-Jasser noted that since the launch of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy in 2021, Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable milestones. “We have significantly improved the quality and safety of our road networks, reducing fatalities by nearly 50%, exceeding the strategy’s targets,” he stated. The Kingdom has implemented numerous initiatives, including performance-based contracts to enhance transparency, spending efficiency, and service quality.
A ministerial session titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned” followed the opening, featuring Al-Jasser alongside Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, Kuwait’s Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mishaan, Georgia’s Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Irakli Karseladze, Cyprus’ Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works Alexis Vafeades, and Nepal’s Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport Devendra Dahal.
Implications and Impact
This international gathering highlights Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for road safety innovation and cross-border collaboration. The participation of ministers from Kuwait, Georgia, Cyprus, and Nepal signals growing regional and global interest in the Kingdom’s advanced road management models and sustainability practices.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The conference directly supports Saudi Vision 2030 by promoting safer, more sustainable road networks that enhance quality of life and economic competitiveness. As the Kingdom continues to modernize its infrastructure, initiatives like this reinforce its commitment to achieving the National Transport and Logistics Strategy goals and solidifying its position as a global leader in road safety and sustainability.
20 Questions
Q1. Who inaugurated the Road Safety and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition?
A1. The conference was inaugurated by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Roads General Authority, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser.
Q2. What is the theme of the conference?
A2. The conference is held under the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow,” focusing on road safety and sustainability.
Q3. When and where is the conference taking place?
A3. The event is being held from November 3 to 4, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Q4. Who organized the conference?
A4. The conference was organized by the Roads General Authority (RGA) in partnership with the International Road Federation.
Q5. How many participants are attending the conference?
A5. Over 1,000 road experts and specialists from more than 50 countries are participating in the event.
Q6. What did Minister Al-Jasser say about Saudi Arabia’s global road ranking?
A6. He noted that Saudi Arabia ranks first worldwide in road connectivity and fourth among G20 nations in road quality.
Q7. What progress has Saudi Arabia made in road safety under the National Transport and Logistics Strategy?
A7. The Kingdom reduced road fatalities by nearly 50%, exceeding the strategy’s targets, according to Al-Jasser.
Q8. Which initiatives did Al-Jasser highlight for improving road safety?
A8. He highlighted performance-based contracts that enhance transparency, spending efficiency, and service quality.
Q9. Who is the Chairman of the Roads General Authority?
A9. The Chairman of the Roads General Authority is Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, who also serves as Minister of Transport and Logistic Services.
Q10. What was the title of the ministerial session held after the opening?
A10. The ministerial session was titled “Road Safety: Innovation and Lessons Learned.”
Q11. Which international ministers participated in the ministerial session?
A11. Ministers from Kuwait, Georgia, Cyprus, and Nepal participated, along with Saudi officials.
Q12. What is the significance of the conference for Saudi Arabia?
A12. The conference highlights Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in road sector innovation and sustainability.
Q13. How does the conference support Vision 2030?
A13. It supports Vision 2030 by promoting safer, more sustainable road networks that improve quality of life and economic competitiveness.
Q14. What is the role of the International Road Federation in this event?
A14. The International Road Federation is a partner in organizing the conference, contributing global expertise.
Q15. What did Al-Jasser say about the support from Saudi leadership?
A15. He expressed gratitude for the strong support from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the transport sector.
Q16. What year was the National Transport and Logistics Strategy launched?
A16. The National Transport and Logistics Strategy was launched in 2021 by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.
Q17. Which sectors are represented in the ministerial session?
A17. The session includes ministers of transport, public works, regional development, and infrastructure from various countries.
Q18. How does the conference contribute to international collaboration?
A18. It brings together experts from over 50 countries to share best practices in road safety and sustainability.
Q19. What is the Roads General Authority’s role in Saudi Arabia?
A19. The RGA is responsible for overseeing road safety, quality, and sustainability initiatives in the Kingdom.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of the conference?
A20. The conference aims to foster innovation, share lessons learned, and strengthen global partnerships for safer roads.
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