UITP Summit 2025 to take place in Hamburg with new annual format
The forthcoming UITP Summit 2025 is set to take place in Hamburg, Germany, from 15-18 June 2025, and is anticipated to be a significant event within the urban mobility sector. The Summit will mark a pivotal shift in format, as it will be the first edition conducted under a new annual structure, paving the way for subsequent gatherings worldwide.
Mohamed Mezghani, Secretary General of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), expressed his excitement for the event while discussing plans with Railway Gazette International. "It's hard to believe that we’re on the cusp of hosting the next UITP Summit," he said, reflecting on the energy and anticipation surrounding the event as it follows closely on the heels of the previous edition held in Barcelona. Emphasising the importance of the Summit, he stated, "We say that 'the public transport sector meets here' for a reason."
Preparing for an event of this magnitude is no small feat, as Mezghani shared insights from his extensive experience managing similar events within UITP. He highlighted that attendees can look forward not only to a world-class exhibition but also to a comprehensive agenda centred around networking and collaboration, underscoring the people-centred focus of the gathering.
The city of Hamburg has been chosen for its strong commitment to innovative public transport solutions and effective urban mobility plans. The UITP has recently launched a new Strategic Plan prioritising "putting people first," aimed at addressing the needs of various stakeholders in the sector, from policymakers to public transport professionals. Mezghani reiterated that the Summit intends to facilitate collaboration, stating, "The Summit is about bringing the sector together and collaborating to drive excellence in the sector."
In preparation for the event, UITP has been actively engaging with local stakeholders in Hamburg. This approach aims to foster relationships in the lead-up to both the 2025 and 2027 editions of the Summit. Mezghani referred to a recent Summit launch event held in Hamburg, which allowed UITP to interact directly with local players. He noted, "It was a huge success and only confirmed that Hamburg is a city on the cutting edge of innovation."
As for the Summit programme, UITP is working diligently to finalise the agenda, which will focus on six designated tracks: Net Zero Cities, Operations, Lifestyle, People-Centricity, Sustainability, and Technology. The programme aims to address pressing topics within urban mobility, including climate action, diversity and inclusion, and technological advancements. "The most pressing sector topics will be brought to the table for exchange with our delegates," Mezghani revealed.
Looking ahead, the UITP Summit will make its way to Dubai in 2026, highlighting the impact and development of urban mobility in the MENA region over the past 15 years. The continuous relationship between UITP and Dubai, established since the early 2000s, reflects the rapid growth and innovations within the public transport sector in this area.
The UITP Summit has long served as a pivotal event for urban mobility professionals, providing a unique opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. Mezghani articulated the importance of such gatherings, stating, "If we look at the entire sector, this shows how important the Summit is. Now that we have made it an annual event, I hope that the achievements and memories will become even more special."
The anticipation for Hamburg’s UITP Summit is palpable. As the city prepares to welcome delegates from around the world, the emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and the human aspect of public transport will be at the forefront of this vital gathering.