FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations
The global voice of freight logistics

All you need to know about the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting!

FIATA e-flash
11 March 2025

Event Details

The 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting, titled "Interconnecting Logistics" will take place during 17-20 March 2025 at the Geneva International Conference Center (CICG) in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Session Format

The 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting will once again adopt the workshop format, a dynamic approach to facilitate active participation and collaboration among participants. This format aims to foster meaningful and inclusive dialogue, leading to actionable outcomes that support freight forwarders in their endeavours. Workshops will be organised around specific themes, enabling in-depth discussions and the exchange of ideas.

Session Details - Monday 17 March

Monday 17 March | 09:00-10:45
Opening Session

Moderated by Michael McKay, the FIATA HQ Meeting opeing will provide participants with key market trends and trade developments as well as an external outlook in corridors and logistics in an uncertain environment. 2024 FIATA achievements and outlooks for 2025 will be shared.

Speakers include:
FIATA President, Turgut Erkeskin
Luis Alberto Castiglioni, Former Vice President of Paraguay
Tobias Wölfel, Senior Expert - Travel, Transport & Logistics,McKinsey & Company


Monday 17 March | 11:15-13:00
Addressing Major Issues in Multimodal Transport Logistics

Efficient multimodal transport is the backbone of global trade, ensuring the seamless movement of goods across various transport modes. However, challenges such as regulatory fragmentation, sustainability pressures, and interoperability gaps continue to hinder efficiency, reliability, and scalability. This session will provide a platform to identify and address key issues affecting multimodal logistics, with a focus on maritime industry and sustainability, exploring the GHG Accounting and data management, issues affecting road industry, and role of rail transport within multimodal international transport. 

Moderated by 

  • Bethanie Castelnuovo, Chief Financial Officer, SCB Group
  • Roel Janssens, Secretary to the Working Party on Transport Trends and Economics (WP.5), UNECE
  • Aleksandr Kuzmenko, Secretary General, Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF)
  • Oriane Minger, Carbon Finance Manager, SCB Group


Monday 17 March | 13:45-14:30
Building a Modern Airfreight Logistics Future

The air cargo industry remains a cornerstone of global trade, facilitating seamless goods movement amid maritime disruptions and the sustained growth of e-commerce. However, as regulatory frameworks evolve, industry players must ensure compliance with new security requirements, such as pre-loading advance cargo information (PLACI) regimes and aviation security measures. Strengthening public-private dialogue will be crucial in addressing regulatory fragmentation and fostering a harmonised global framework. Additionally, technological advancements, including digitalisation, cybersecurity risk mitigation, and cargo safety innovations, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of airfreight. 

This session, led by experts from the airfreight and customs industry, will explore key themes that define the current air cargo landscape. Participants will gain actionable insights and strategies to enhance cargo security, optimise operational efficiency, and improve overall supply chain resilience and performance.

Moderated by 

  • Andrew Farrelly, CEO and Co-Founder, CT Strategies
  • Markus Muecke, Chair of the European Air Cargo Programme Joint Council (EACP-JC)
  • Thierry Moreno, CEO and Founder, NV Logistics


Monday 17 March | 13:45-14:30
Building Cyber Resilience with the World Economic Forum

In today’s hyper-connected world, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of resilience and trust in digital systems. As cyber threats continue to evolve in sophistication and scale, organisations across industries face unprecedented challenges. With ransomware, data breaches, and supply chain vulnerabilities making headlines, businesses must shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity strategies. 

This session, led by experts from the Cybersecurity Institute of the World Economic Forum, will delve into critical themes that shape the cybersecurity landscape. It is designed to equip participants with actionable insights and tools to strengthen their digital defences.

Moderated by 

  • Filipe Beato, Lead, Centre for Cybersecurity, WEF
  • Natasa Perucica, Lead for Capacity Building, Centre for Cybersecurity, WEF
  • Luna Rohland, Specialist, Cyber Resilience, Centre for Cybersecurity, WEF
  • Chiara Barbeschi, Specialist in Cyber Resilience, Centre for Cybersecurity, WEF

Session Details - Tuesday 18 March

Tuesday 18 March | 09:00-10:45
Fostering Collaboration for the Future of Freight Forwarding

The session will focus on three interlinked themes designed to advance the logistics industry’s education and workforce development:
1. The role of research and innovation in logistics education
2. Strengthening academia-industry partnerships
3. Engaging and empowering the younger generation (with GSCC students)

These themes will be explored through three dedicated workshops, bringing together associations and stakeholders to develop strategies, share best practices, and identify pathways to enhance the industry’s future. The primary aim is to bridge gaps in education, collaboration, and technology adoption, equipping future generations to address emerging challenges and opportunities in logistics. 

Moderated by

  • Guineng Chen, SIPA Transport Programme Lead, ITF at the OECD
  • Pierre-Edouard Dolhen, Head of EMEA Derivatives Middle Office, Louis Dreyfus Company
  • Global Sustainability Supply Chain Student Competition winning team: Allie Place, James Celli, Kort Wise, and Quintan Boyle from the University of South Carolina, USA


Tuesday 18 March | 11:15-13:00
Implementing the WCO Shenzhen Action Plan on AEO Programmes

Advancing and improving Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes is crucial for enhancing trade facilitation, ensuring security, and promoting supply chain efficiency. This workshop session will provide a comprehensive understanding of the WCO Shenzhen Action Plan on AEO Programmes, covering its objectives and implications for global trade. Divided into three working streams, participants will learn and discuss about the AEO certification process, including requirements and common challenges, as well as how associations can effectively lobby governments for the plan's implementation. Additionally, the workshop will highlight the broader benefits of AEO programmes and the positive impacts on trade facilitation. 

Moderated by

  • Philippe Isler, Director, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation & Executive Committee Member, WEF
  • Nuno Mendes dos Santos, Private Sector Development Specialist, World Bank Group
  • Gordon Wright, Executive Director of European Operations, CT Strategies


Tuesday 18 March | 14:30-16:15
Optimising Key Multimodal Transport Corridors with ITF, UN ESCAP, and UN/CEFACT

This session, divided into breakout groups by FIATA regions – Region Africa and the Middle East (RAME), Region Asia-Pacific (RAP), Region Europe (REU), and Region Americas (RAMs) —will explore how international organisations can support the development of efficient, sustainable, and resilient multimodal transport corridors. Participants will gain practical insights on the current project as well as how to engage with their local authorities on key policy areas, such as investment in transport infrastructure, digital connectivity, and trade facilitation. 

Moderated by

  • Guineng Chen, SIPA Transport Programme Lead International Transport Forum at the OECD
  • Nurbek Maksutov, Vice-Chair, UN/CEFACT
  • Luis Alberto Castiglioni, Former Vice President of Paraguay
  • Azhar Jaimurzina Ducrest, Chief, Transport Facilitation and Logistics Section, UN ESCAP


Tuesday 18 March | 16:45-18:30
Leveraging Regional Free Trade Agreements

Following a short introduction in plenary, the workshop will split into three streams focused on (1) Region Americas, (2) Region Africa and the Middle East, and (3) Region Asia-Pacific. Each stream will allow for quality and in-depth exchanges between participants and speakers/moderators on issues relevant to the particular region. How regional agreement can help freight forwarders with the timely release and clearance of goods?  How it supports the work of the single window system as well as the digitalisation efforts? 

Moderated by 

  • Anna Jankowska-Ericksson, Market Analyst, Trade and Market Intelligence International Trade Centre (ITC)
  • Chanikarn Dispadung, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Thailand to the WTO and WIPO
  • Luis Alberto Castiglioni, Former Vice President of Paraguay

Session Details - Wednesday 19 March

Wednesday 19 March | 09:00-10:45
Data Ownership and Trusted Networks in Practice

In an increasingly digital world, understanding data ownership and protection, along with the establishment of trusted networks and identities, is crucial for ensuring compliance, safeguarding sensitive information, and fostering confidence in data exchange among individuals and organisations.  

Building on FIATA-GSF (Global Shippers Forum) Charter for Protection And Governance of Data, this session aims to deliver an in-depth understanding of data protection and ownership and the importance of trusted networks and identities. Through expert presentations and engaging discussions led by knowledgeable moderators, participants will acquire practical insights into these pivotal topics within the sphere of data management and security. 


Moderated by 

  • James Hookham, Director, Global Shippers Forum
  • Pamela Mar, Managing Director, ICC Digital Standards Initiative (DSI)


Wednesday 19 March | 11:15-13:00
Everything You Need to Know to Start Using the eFBL

This session aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of issuing the electronic FIATA Bill of Lading (eFBL), focusing on the general principles of digital bills of lading. Through expert insights and real-world experiences, attendees will learn how to effectively implement and navigate the FIATA eBL, enhancing efficiency and security in their operations.

Moderated by 

  • Murat Seitnepesov, CEO, Caspian Container Company CCCSA

More moderators to come!

Wednesday 19 March | 14:30-16:15
Practical Aspects to Insure Freight Forwarders' Risks

This session will offer practical strategies for managing and insuring risks in freight forwarding operations, emphasising the critical importance of effective coverage to protect against potential losses. Participants will gain insights into the FIATA insured electronic Bill of Lading (eFBL), exploring its features and benefits. They will also examine real-world applications of risk insurance and the necessary steps for implementation. Engaging discussions will foster the sharing of best practices for identifying and mitigating risks, equipping attendees with actionable knowledge to enhance their insurance strategies and safeguard their operations. 

Moderated by 

  • Daniel de Burca, Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs, International Credit Insurance and Surety Association (ICISA)
  • Eleni Lykoudi, Head of Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) & Head of Risk & Broking CEEMEA, Willis Towers Watson
  • Katerina Pouli, Senior Account Executive, Willis Towers Watson


Wednesday 19 March | 16:45-18:30
Closing Session

This session will highlight the achievements of FIATA Association Members in training and professional development, while also engaging the next generation in FIATA activities to address labour shortages and introduce new perspectives and solutions to the industry. It will present key insights from the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting. This session will also highlight key takeaways of the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting.

FIATA Events Mobile Application

Download the FIATA Events Mobile Application to seamlessly navigate through the programme, explore speaker profiles, plan for social events, access event photos, and maximise your networking opportunities.

Remember to keep checking the app for programme updates. 

Download the App here for Android Users

Download the App here for iOS Users

Meet the Exhibitors!

The exhibition will be open from 17-19 March so you will have ample time to come and meet the exhibitors. Look out for:

  • The FIT Alliance
  • Ortelius
  • Universal Postal Union
  • Tanzania Freight Forwarders Association & Zanzibar Freight Forwarders Bureau (ZfB), the hosts of the 2025 FIATA-Region Africa and the Middle East (RAME) Field Meeting.
  • The Air Cargo Agents Association of India, the host of the 2025 FIATA-Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) Field Meeting hosts!
  • Vietnam Logistics Business Association, the host of the 2025 FIATA World Congress.
  • Ethiopian Freight Forwarder and Shipping Agents Association, the host of the 2027 FIATA World Congress.
  • Turkish Airlines, the official event airline for the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting!

Don't forget to visit the FIATA HQ team at the FIATA Booth who are available to assist you with any queries you may have.

Unmissable Social Events Programme!

The FIATA HQ team has arranged two fantastic social events, giving you the perfect chance to network, meet industry peers, and enjoy great company.

Welcome Reception – 17 March

Start the 2025 FIATA HQ Meeting in style at the Welcome Reception on Monday, 17 March! This lively evening is the ideal setting to break the ice, forge new connections, and enjoy great music in a relaxed atmosphere.


Vietnam Night – 19 March

Experience a taste of what’s to come at the 2025 FIATA World Congress in Vietnam! Join us on 19 March for an evening celebrating Vietnam’s rich culture and cuisine, with authentic dishes, and a welcoming, festive spirit. A night not to be missed!

Upcoming FIATA Events