Ministers of Transport from around the world have called for more international co-operation to create transport systems for the needs of a changing world.

"Global transformational change is a characteristic of our age", ministers from the 54 member countries of the International Transport Forum (ITF) state in a declaration agreed today at their Annual Summit in Leipzig, Germany.

Noting the impact of megatrends like demographic change, digitalization, shifting trade flows and climate change, the ministerial declaration states:

"In this environment of transformation, policymakers are facing greater levels of uncertainty in decision making, with the speed, nature, intensity and timing of change in recent years occurring beyond what has been expected."

"The reality of governing in this interconnected world requires greater emphasis on international and regional co-operation as well as information sharing, and suggests that policymakers should work together more effectively to adopt common policy responses."

"While adapting to these global economic and societal phenomena, transport itself is also a driver of change, as innovation in the sector opens new frontiers. In this way, transport is itself defining new landscapes of opportunity for a greener and more inclusive economy and society."

Ministers in their declaration also issued a "call for development as appropriate of international standards for implementing new technologies alongside agreed safety and privacy protocols."