STRATEGIC CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

As new transport corridors like the Middle Corridor, BRICS-led initiatives, IMEC, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative reshape global trade dynamics, the potential of seamless intermodal integration has never been greater. By connecting rail, road, maritime, and air transport, these corridors can reduce transit times, cut costs, and bolster supply chain resilience. This session will explore how digital connectivity, diversified transport modes, and coordinated investment strategies can future-proof trade routes — while addressing the regulatory and policy frameworks needed to turn vision into reality.

Attendee insights: Gain a strategic understanding of how intermodal integration is unlocking new trade opportunities across emerging economic corridors — and what’s required to ensure they are commercially viable, resilient, and globally connected

Intermodal transport operates in a paradox—shared infrastructure and seamless connectivity demand collaboration, yet market competition drives efficiency and innovation. Logistics providers, rail operators, and freight forwarders must integrate networks while protecting commercial advantage, raising the question: can cooperation strengthen resilience without compromising differentiation? Success will depend on redefining partnership models, where collaboration becomes a strategic advantage rather than a trade-off. As intermodal transport evolves, can operators master both competitive agility and cooperative efficiency?

Attendee insights: Panelists will explore how transport operators can balance collaboration and competition to build a seamless, efficient intermodal ecosystem that benefits operators, customers, and passengers.

Ports are evolving from static gateways into intelligent trade hubs, seamlessly integrating maritime, rail, road, and inland logistics. Smart ports leverage AI, automation, and real-time data to optimize cargo movement, but their true potential lies in intermodal hub development—where ports connect with inland terminals and multimodal corridors to create a fluid, resilient supply chain. By reducing bottlenecks, balancing freight demand, and enhancing supply chain visibility, intermodal hubs play a critical role in driving efficiency and sustainability. However, unlocking their full value requires investment, regulatory alignment, and collaboration across public private sectors.

Attendee insights: Gain insight into how smart ports and intermodal hubs are reshaping global trade through seamless connectivity and infrastructure designed for a more agile, future-ready logistics ecosystem.

Sea-to-air logistics promises maritime cost efficiency with the speed of air cargo, however gaps in maritime and air freight infrastructure, scheduling, and digital integration create inefficiencies that ripple across supply chains. Mismatched handling capacity, disconnected data systems, and fragmented scheduling force cargo into costly delays rather than smooth multimodal transitions. Unlocking sea-to-air at scale requires more than physical connectivity—it demands intelligent coordination powered by digital twin technologies, AI-driven scheduling, and automated cargo handovers that synchronize operations across ports and airports in real time.

Attendee insights: This session will explore how next-generation infrastructure and digitalization can transform sea-to-air from an underutilized model into an efficient, precision-driven logistics solution.

As passenger expectations evolve and urbanization intensifies, the rail sector faces a complex challenge: how to deliver scalable, high-quality service without compromising affordability or accessibility. This session explores the recalibration of value in the next generation of passenger rail—moving beyond the MaaS framework to examine how operators and policymakers can balance the interdependent pillars of price, capacity, and customer experience. What trade-offs are acceptable in tomorrow’s networks? How can systems be designed to ensure inclusive access while still meeting rising service expectations?

Attendee insights: uncover strategies for equitable, efficient, and resilient passenger rail ecosystems.

Where do airlines and rail operators see each other—as rivals fighting for market share, or as partners in shaping end-to-end connectivity? What economic and policy incentives determine whether they compete or collaborate? And does the push for decarbonization create new synergies or deepen the divide?

Attendee insights: This session will explore whether smarter coordination between rail and aviation can unlock a more resilient and sustainable regional mobility framework

Integrating connected and shared transport remains a persistent challenge, restricted by fragmented infrastructure, siloed data systems, and regulatory inertia. How can mobility providers, city planners, and policymakers align interoperability standards that truly enable seamless travel? What are the economic and governance models that incentivize collaboration rather than competition? And can technology alone solve the urban mobility puzzle, or is a fundamental shift in policy and planning required?

Attendee insights: Panelists will discuss actionable solutions to ensure connected and shared mobility becomes a cornerstone of efficient, accessible, and sustainable urban transport

The success of public transport hinges not just on core networks but on how easily people can access them. First–last mile connectivity remains a persistent challenge, often limiting ridership and diminishing the impact of major transit investments. Can transit-oriented development (TOD) provide the missing link, or does the gap between policy, infrastructure, and real estate remain too wide? Is TOD the silver bullet for first–last mile integration or will deeper structural barriers—land use policies, funding models, and community buy-in—continue to hinder progress? How can urban planners, developers, and transport authorities collaborate to design walkable, transit-friendly spaces that reduce car dependency? And does the promise of TOD hold up across different urban contexts, or is its success limited to high-density, well-funded cities?

Attendee insights: This session will explore practical strategies for bridging the first–last mile gap, leveraging policy, planning, and investment to transform transit nodes into vibrant, well-connected urban hubs

Mobility-as- a-Service (MaaS) promises seamless, user-centric transport, but beneath the vision lies a complex web of competing interests. As digital platforms integrate public and private mobility options, the question of value—who creates it, who captures it, and who controls it—becomes increasingly contentious. Is MaaS primarily a tool for public benefit, or does it risk becoming another fragmented, profit-driven marketplace? This discussion will unravel the power dynamics shaping the MaaS ecosystem. Who should bear the financial burden—governments, private operators, or consumers? How do revenue models balance commercial viability with accessibility and equity? And as data becomes the currency of mobility, who ultimately dictates the rules of engagement?

Attendee insights: Panelists will debate whether MaaS is on track to deliver a truly integrated transport future - or if misaligned incentives and regulatory uncertainty will prevent it from reaching its full potential

Delivering high-speed rail projects on schedule and within budget requires strong collaboration between governments, investors, operators, and contractors. However, regulatory hurdles, financial constraints, and shifting priorities often lead to delays and cost overruns. Securing stakeholder buy-in and ensuring consistent government backing are critical to keeping projects on track— but how can these be achieved? Public policy support plays a crucial role in maintaining project momentum, while hybrid PPP models can help balance risk and investment. Technologies such as digital twins, AI-driven project management, and real-time data integration offer new ways to enhance transparency, efficiency, and coordination. By strengthening stakeholder engagement and leveraging innovation, high-speed rail projects can overcome common barriers and deliver long-term economic and mobility benefits.

Attendee insights: Panelists will discuss actionable stakeholder collaboration strategies to ensure high-speed rail projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and with long-term economic and mobility benefits.

High-speed mobility is evolving rapidly, with cutting-edge technologies promising to redefine transport efficiency and connectivity. But are these innovations true game-changers, or do they come with a price tag that outweighs their benefits? As hyperloops, maglev systems, and next-generation rail technologies push the boundaries of speed and sustainability, the debate over their viability intensifies. This session will examine whether next-gen high-speed transport is a necessary leap forward or an overambitious CAPEX drain. Do the long-term economic and environmental gains justify the upfront investment? Are these technologies scalable, or will they remain niche solutions for select corridors?

Attendee insights: Panelists will explore whether the economic and social benefits of next generation mobility systems outweigh the upfront investment.

Cross-border rail has the potential to transform regional economies, reduce reliance on road and air transport, and enhance global connectivity. Yet, despite its promise, fragmented regulations, mismatched infrastructure standards, and geopolitical complexities often hinder seamless international rail operations. Can greater collaboration between governments, operators, and investors unlock the full potential of cross-border rail? Examining the frameworks needed to accelerate rail integration across borders raises key questions: what policy alignments and financial mechanisms can make cross-border projects more viable and how can interoperability challenges — ranging from signaling systems to customs procedures—be overcome?

Attendee insights: How can policymakers, regulators and operators collaborate to overcome the complexities in cross-border rail and foster more efficient transport corridors for both passengers and freight

While ESG frameworks and climate disclosures are now standard practice, many transport projects still struggle to translate financial pledges into measurable decarbonization outcomes. Bridging this divide requires a shift in financial instruments and investment strategies to prioritize tangible emissions reductions over compliance-based reporting. Mechanisms must be in place to ensure that capital flows effectively support low-carbon infrastructure, fleet electrification, and modal shift. Collaboration between investors, policymakers, and transport operators is essential to driving systemic change - moving beyond green labels to real-world impact.

Attendee insights: This session will provide practical insights into moving beyond ESG compliance to financing transport projects that achieve real-world carbon reductions.

The gap between successful pilot projects and large-scale deployment remains one of the biggest hurdles in transport innovation. While new technologies - from AI-driven traffic management to next-generation rail systems - show promise in controlled environments, many struggle to transition into widespread use due to regulatory delays, funding constraints, and integration challenges. Are current procurement and regulatory processes equipped to support rapid innovation? And how can public and private stakeholders work together to create agile frameworks that accelerate adoption without compromising safety and efficiency?

Attendee insights: This panel will explore strategies to streamline deployment, scale solutions faster, and ensure that promising transport technologies move beyond pilot projects to full-scale impact.

Seamlessly integrating shared mobility with mass transit has the potential to enhance accessibility, reduce congestion, and improve first-last mile connectivity. However, misaligned incentives, regulatory complexities, and infrastructure limitations often prevent shared mobility services from complementing public transport effectively. What role should public agencies and private mobility providers play in creating a unified network? Can policy frameworks and data-sharing agreements enable true integration without compromising competition? And how can financial and operational models be structured to ensure shared mobility enhances - rather than disrupts - mass transit systems?

Attendee insights: The discussion will explore the practical steps needed to turn fragmented mobility services into a cohesive, user-centric transport ecosystem to the benefit of passengers.

As supply chains become more digitized and globally integrated, logistics operators and multinational tenants are demanding greater flexibility, speed, and interoperability from the spaces they occupy. Yet within free zones, developers must navigate local compliance requirements—from zoning regulations to customs processes—that often constrain design, access, and operations. This session explores how real estate developers can reconcile these competing forces—delivering infrastructure that satisfies regulatory obligations while enabling tenants to operate seamlessly across borders. What are the practical barriers to creating interoperable, future-proof logistics spaces in free zones? And how can developers, regulators, and occupiers collaborate to co-design solutions that unlock both compliance and commercial agility?

Attendee insights: How can real estate developers, regulators, and occupiers collaborate to balance free zone compliance with the need for interoperable, tenant-ready logistics infrastructure that supports global supply chain efficiency?

Hydrogen-powered transport is emerging as a key solution for decarbonizing mobility, particularly on routes where full electrification is not feasible. While hydrogen trains and vehicles offer a zero-emission alternative, challenges remain around fuel cell efficiency, infrastructure investment, and cost viability. Exploring hydrogen’s role in sustainable transport requires a closer look at advancements in technology, the financial frameworks supporting large-scale deployment, and the policy incentives driving adoption. The discussion will assess whether hydrogen can become a mainstream transport solution or if its application will remain limited to specific use cases in the shift toward net-zero mobility.

Attendee insights: Explore fuel cell innovation, infrastructure readiness, and the economic viability of hydrogen mobility, with a focus on policy, investment, and decarbonization impact.

Encouraging a shift toward greener transport requires a delicate balance between market incentives and policy interventions. While regulatory measures can drive sustainability targets, consumer adoption ultimately depends on affordability, convenience, and infrastructure readiness. Examining the interplay between policy and market dynamics highlights key questions: can financial incentives and carbon pricing accelerate change without creating economic burdens? How can transport providers and policymakers reshape behavioral norms through pricing strategies, digital integration, and public awareness campaigns?

Attendee insights: The discussion will assess the most effective approaches to making sustainable mobility the default choice for consumers, exploring the role of policy incentives, infrastructure investment, and technological innovation

Transit-oriented development (TOD) has the potential to create thriving, connected urban spaces while reducing congestion and emissions. However, its success depends on the effective alignment of public policy, private sector investment, and long-term urban planning goals. How can governments create regulatory frameworks and incentives that attract private investment without compromising affordability and accessibility? What financing mechanisms can ensure that TOD projects deliver both commercial returns and public benefits? This discussion will explore the policies, partnerships, and innovative funding models needed to maximize the economic, social, and environmental impact of TOD.

Attendee insights: This session will examine strategies for aligning public and private sector interests to ensure TOD drives economic growth, enhances accessibility, and promotes
livability

Achieving exponential growth in transport innovation requires more than just new technologies—it demands a fully integrated ecosystem that fosters collaboration, investment, and rapid scalability. From AI and automation to new business models and regulatory frameworks, creating the right conditions for disruption is critical to unlocking the next wave of transformation. What funding mechanisms, policy frameworks, and partnerships are needed to enable 10x growth? And how can innovators ensure that transport disruptions are not only scalable but also sustainable and future-proof?

Attendee insights: The discussion will explore how to scale transport innovation, attract investment, and create an ecosystem that enables disruptive growth while ensuring long-term viability.

When transport disputes arise, selecting the right resolution method can significantly impact costs, timelines, and business continuity. Litigation provides a structured legal process, while arbitration offers flexibility, confidentiality, and industry-specific expertise. But which approach best serves transport operators, suppliers, and investors facing complex disputes? Factors such as enforceability across jurisdictions, cost implications, and the speed of resolution all play a critical role in determining the most effective path. Understanding these trade-offs is key to mitigating risks, protecting commercial interests, and ensuring seamless operations in an increasingly interconnected transport landscape.

Attendee insights: Understanding when to opt for arbitration or litigation is key to managing transport disputes efficiently. Insights will focus on cost, enforceability, and speed, helping stakeholders choose the most effective resolution strategy.