11 October
2024
FIATA World Congress 2024 concluded last week with a resounding success as it brought together 878 leaders, experts and stakeholders from the global logistics and freight forwarding industry from 85 countries. Hosted by the Asociación Panameña de Agencias de Carga (APAC) in bustling Panama City, the event provided a platform to address the key challenges and opportunities facing global trade today. Over the past few days, participants have engaged in in-depth discussions on various global trends in logistics, with a particular focus on digital transformation, sustainability and the changing regulatory environment. In the context of continued supply chain turmoil and uncertainty amid global tensions, Congress emphasized the importance of innovation, resilience and collaboration to overcome current and future disruptions in logistics.
The event got off to a great start, setting the tone for an exciting week addressing global challenges such as geopolitical tensions, environmental issues and trade barriers. Keynote speeches were delivered by dignitaries including Panamanian Minister of Canal Affairs José Ramón Icasa Clement, Vice Minister of Trade and Industry Carlos Hoyos Boyd, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization Ian Saunders, and an online address by ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar and Secretary General ITF in OECD by Dr. Young Tae Kim, aimed specifically at the FIATA World Congress audience. FIATA Director General Dr. Stephan Graber reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to foster collaboration and drive positive change, reiterating that only through collective action can the global logistics industry thrive in an ever-changing world.
Key moments of the Congress included the recognition of Laura Christine Egerer, named the 2024 Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) Worldwide Laureate for her outstanding contribution to the industry through innovative approaches to sustainable logistics. Her victory symbolizes the commitment of a new generation to drive change and solve pressing environmental and technological challenges. The selection of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Freight Agents Association (EFFSAA) to host the 2027 FIATA World Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia was another milestone. EFFSAA President and FIATA Air Transport Institute (AFI) Chairman Davit Wubishet reiterated the importance of this milestone not only for Ethiopia but for Africa as well. The Congress also focused on pressing issues in the Americas region, highlighting both the challenges and the growth potential of the region. From supply chain disruptions to achieving sustainability goals, stakeholders explored actionable strategies to optimize productivity and improve cross-border connectivity. As a platform for regional and international dialogue, the Congress demonstrated the importance of policy alignment and cooperation to promote the growth of global supply chains. FIATA would like to express its sincere thanks to the Panamanian authorities, APAC Panama, high-level speakers, sponsors, partners and visitors for facilitating such an impressive event. The next FIATA World Congress will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 6-10 October 2025, where the focus will be on continuing the dialogue on sustainability and digitalisation, ensuring that the logistics sector remains at the forefront of global economic recovery and growth.