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Since the eighties, a number of new trends have altered the traditionally
held perception of the role that roads play in the world.
There has been increasing concern about their:
- Impact on the natural environment
- Implications for energy consumption
- Importance for the health and safety of populations and
- Continued relevance in countries' development.
It has also become clear that:
- User requirements need to be met
- Road networks need to operate in a connected fashion with other modes of transport
- The private sector needs to be brought onboard, particularly in regard to financing.
Countries have approached these issues based on their own national priorities. Generally speaking, environmental concern about transport has been greatest among developed countries. Private sector participation in road infrastructure investment has been uneven and heavily influenced by each country's experiences with private financing.
Response from the World Road Association
The World Road Association, founded 100 years' ago, has been tackling these
issues by setting up a forum for sharing technical information on road
transport infrastructure around the world.
Every four years the Association organizes a World Congress, inviting member
countries to take part with presentations and discussions in order to
identify, develop and share responsible solutions to today's problems.
Mexico has been chosen to host the next XXIV World Road Congress to be held
in Mexico City from 26 to 30 September 2011.
A Uniquely Important Event
The XXIV Congress offers an ideal venue for the Association to bring its
work to fruition with a aim of bringing state-of-the-art technologies closer
to developing countries.
The event will bring together:
• Over 4,000 road and road transport specialists, representing over 100
countries.
• 50 road ministers and secretaries of state.
• Technical exhibition area of over 12,000 m2 (131,000 sq. ft)
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General Information
