The 30th ITS World Congress commenced in Dubai on September 16, 2024, with a grand opening ceremony that celebrated industry pioneers and set the stage for a week of innovation in intelligent mobility. The event’s highlight was the presentation of prestigious Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Former ITS UK Secretary General, Jennie Martin MBE, was inducted into the Hall of Fame for her 30 years of service to the ITS community and her work in increasing women’s representation within the field.
Accepting the award in a recorded video message, Martin said, “When I first started, ITS was completely marginal. Over the last three decades that has changed completely. It is now fully recognised that it has the potential to save lives, ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions.”
The former USDOT Federal Highway Administrator, Shalen Bhatt, who left the position just last week, was also recognised for his tireless efforts towards safety and sustainability. Upon receiving the award, Bhatt said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, especially when I think of the myriad ways we’ve helped people stay safe on US roads.
“I always say that a transportation organisation exists for two reasons to save lives and to make lives better. I plan to work harder than ever, to help ensure we reach our goals. Congratulations to my fellow awardees, and thank you to ERTICO, your concern for progress has been unparalleled.”
Representing the ITS Asia-Pacific region, Ninnart Chaithirapinyo, chairman of Toyota Motor (Thailand) and founder of ITS Thailand, was honored for his significant contributions to the advancement of ITS in the region.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s ruler and UAE vice president and prime minister, underlining Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global hub for smart and sustainable mobility.
Dr. Michio Kaku, the renowned futurist and physicist, delivered a keynote address, inspiring attendees with his visionary insights on the future of intelligent transport systems.
The event featured an impressive array of global leaders, including representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the European Commission, ERTICO, ITS America, and ITS Asia-Pacific. They were joined by ERTICO Chairman Angelos Amditis and senior representatives from Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the host organization of the Congress.
In his opening speech, ERTICO Chairman Dr. Angelos Amditis emphasized the importance of harnessing ITS to reduce climate emissions and increase safety, urging the industry to ‘turn vision into action.’
The opening ceremony also included a ribbon-cutting event to officially open the Congress and its exhibition floor.
