UITP Summit set for Hamburg in June 2025 as new annual format introduced
The International Association of Public Transport (UITP) is gearing up for its upcoming Summit, which is set to take place in Hamburg from 15 to 18 June 2025. This event marks the first instance of the UITP Summit being held in a new annual format—a significant change that aims to enhance collaboration within the public transport sector across the globe. The Secretary General of UITP, Mohamed Mezghani, spoke extensively about the preparations and expectations surrounding this pivotal gathering in an interview with UITP.
Mezghani expressed his excitement for the upcoming event, noting the rapid approach of the Summit after the recent edition held in Barcelona. He emphasised the important role the Summit plays in bringing together stakeholders from various facets of public transport, stating, “We say that ‘the public transport sector meets here’ for a reason. It’s the place to be, and the standout moment in the calendars of all urban mobility professionals.” The Summit promises attendees not only a world-class exhibition and leading-edge programme but also ample opportunities for networking and collaboration, firmly placing people at the centre of its agenda.
The choice of Hamburg as the host city is particularly noteworthy, given its robust public transport network and ambitious mobility plans. With a rich cultural backdrop, Hamburg is positioned as an ideal venue for attendees to discover both the city and its innovative transport solutions. "Hamburg is a city on the cutting edge of innovation, mobility expansion, and an active arena for public transport that others can aspire to," Mezghani remarked.
Further highlighting the local engagement, GuiR discussions with regional stakeholders have already taken place, fostering a strong relationship with the community. UITP’s strategic approach is bolstered by its members in Germany and efforts to reach out to national players. A Summit launch event held last autumn was instrumental in this outreach, engaging local politicians, industry leaders, and the media, thereby elevating the profile of Hamburg as a host city and demonstrating the event's significance for the local and national economy.
The Summit’s agenda is under construction, with six key tracks slated for discussion: Net Zero Cities, Operations, Lifestyle, People-Centricity, Sustainability, and Technology. These themes will shape dialogues around pressing topics in the public transport sector, such as climate action, urban living, and technological innovation. The focus will not only be on sharing advancements but also examining the implications of recent political developments on these topics.
As the UITP looks forward to Dubai hosting the Summit in April 2026, following the Hamburg event, it is clear that the shift to an annual schedule is aimed at increasing engagement and providing continuous opportunities for collaboration. The selection of Dubai is particularly relevant, marking a departure from Europe for the first time under the new format. Acknowledging the tremendous growth in public transport development in the MENA region, Mezghani described the upcoming Summit in Dubai as an extraordinary opportunity to witness how urban mobility has advanced over the past 15 years since the last UITP Summit was held there.
Reflecting on the historical importance of the UITP Summit, which traces its roots back to its inception in 1886, Mezghani articulated the significance of the event within the public transport profession. He noted the camaraderie that defines the gathering, describing it as “one big community” with collective goals focused on enhancing the quality of life in urban environments.
With over 10,000 participants expected at the most recent Summit and strong representation from across the mobility ecosystem, the UITP Summit continues to be an essential platform for industry professionals, reinforcing its position as a vital event in fostering innovation and collaboration within public transport.