Marking the end of the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2023

Credit: UITP

The UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2023 has concluded in Barcelona, marking the first edition in four years. The event brought together urban mobility professionals from 110 countries, making Barcelona the global capital of public transport for four days. With the theme ‘Bright Light of the City’, the summit served as a platform to showcase the latest innovations, technologies and forward-thinking projects in the field.

The summit had featured 87 sessions with 423 speakers and hosted 337 exhibitors from 41 countries. With 2,700 attendees for the congress, it had received 17,300 visits to the exhibition. A total of 251 press delegates from 40 countries had covered the event, and representatives from 110 countries had been present.

The UITP team had travelled from Brussels to Barcelona by train, emphasising their commitment to sustainable travel. The opening day included the General Assembly, where Renée Amilcar, General Manager of OC TRANSPO in Ottawa, became the first female President in UITP’s 138-year history. In addition, Khalid Alhogail, CEO and Managing Director of SAPTCO, Saudi Arabia, concluded his term as the departing President.

Professor Mariana Mazzucato joins UITP Global Summit 2023 as keynote speaker

The opening ceremony featured a speech by Professor Mariana Mazzucato, a renowned thinker, author and economist, who motivated the audience with her innovative ideas. The summit focused on the future of public transport under the themes of Cities and People.

Furthermore, the event witnessed influential CEOs engaging in discussions during the Executive Forum and endorsing the UITP Barcelona Declaration, re-affirming their commitment to public transport. Moreover, the summit announced the future host cities: Hamburg for the 2025 and 2027 editions, as well as Dubai for the 2026 edition.

Mohamed Mezghani, UITP Secretary General, said: “As we conclude our 64th edition, I am always reminded that the Summit is about people. It is about collaborating with one another, learning from each other, and sharing ideas and moments. And enjoying the fun and social aspects of the Summit too! Every single person who participates, no matter what their role, hopes to contribute towards the future of public transport. I can tell you all that your objective was achieved.”