FIATA launches Centennial Declaration onthe Future of Logistics
Milan, Italy, 10 October 2026 – As FIATA celebrates its 100th anniversary, the global voice of freight forwarding and logistics has marked this historic milestone with the endorsement of the FIATA Centennial Declaration by participants of the 100th FIATA World Congress in Milan, Italy. The Declaration sets out a shared vision for the profession as it enters its second century, establishing principles to guide the future of global logistics.
Taking form during the 2026 FIATA World Congress in Milan and informed by members and participants’ input, the Declaration recognises the transformation of freight forwarding over the past 100 years and sets out the principles by which FIATA will guide the profession through the next century.
Over the past century, freight forwarders have evolved from facilitating the movement of goods as architects of global supply chains to increasingly being orchestrators of complex logistics ecosystems. Today, they bring together shippers, carriers, customs authorities, financial institutions, technology providers and other partners across borders and transport modes, helping businesses navigate an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable trading environment.
“The logistics environment is changing rapidly, but the fundamentals remain clear: trade needs trust, connectivity and the ability to adapt. The Centennial Declaration brings together the priorities that will shape the work of FIATA and its Members as the organisation begins its second century. It is a commitment to strengthening the conditions in which logistics operators can continue to connect markets, support businesses and keep global supply chains moving.The logistics environment is changing rapidly, but the fundamentals remain clear: trade needs trust, connectivity and the ability to adapt. The Centennial Declaration brings together the priorities that will shape the work of FIATA and its Members as the organisation begins its second century. It is a commitment to strengthening the conditions in which logistics operators can continue to connect markets, support businesses and keep global supply chains moving.”
Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General
The Declaration comes at a time of significant change for the logistics sector. Digital transformation, geopolitical uncertainty, climate disruption and evolving market and regulatory expectations are reshaping how goods move and how supply chains are organised. Against this backdrop, FIATA is reaffirming the profession's role in enabling trade, strengthening resilience and connecting businesses to global markets.
Five principles for the future of logistics
The Centennial Declaration is built around five enduring principles that reflect FIATA's vision for a logistics sector that is trusted, resilient, connected, collaborative and sustainable:
1. Trusted Trade
Trust, legal certainty and interoperability are essential to the future of international trade. FIATA calls for secure digital trade, harmonised legal, regulatory, technical and operational frameworks, responsible data governance and recognised standards that allow trusted information to move across borders with confidence and efficiency.
2. Resilient Supply Chains
Supply chains must be able to anticipate, adapt to, withstand and recover from disruption. The Declaration highlights the importance of visibility, preparedness, flexibility, multimodal solutions and diversified transport networks, supported by investment and effective public-private collaboration.
3. Secure and Connected Logistics Networks
Safe, secure and efficient multimodal networks are fundamental to global trade. The Declaration emphasises stronger corridors and cross-border connectivity, efficient border procedures, customs cooperation, advance cargo information, trusted trader programmes, interoperability, cybersecurity and cyber-resilience.
4. Collaborative Partnerships
The future of logistics depends on cooperation across the entire ecosystem. FIATA calls for dialogue and partnerships between freight forwarders, shippers, carriers, authorities, technology providers, financial institutions and other stakeholders, alongside proportionate and harmonised regulatory frameworks, fair competition and transparent market access.
5. Sustainable Logistics for Future Generations
The logistics sector must support economic growth while addressing environmental challenges and preparing the next generation of professionals. The Declaration highlights decarbonisation, efficiency, innovation, climate resilience, education and training, digital capabilities, diversity and inclusion, and lifelong professional development.
A commitment for FIATA's second century
The Declaration reflects the commitment of FIATA and the wider logistics community it represents to strengthening the freight forwarding profession and its contribution to global trade in the decades ahead. It calls for continued action to build resilient supply chains, accelerate trusted digital trade, strengthen safe and connected multimodal networks, modernise border procedures, promote regulatory harmonisation and fair competition, support sustainable logistics and foster the next generation of logistics professionals.
The Declaration also highlights the importance of ensuring that the benefits of digital and global trade remain accessible to businesses of all sizes, recognising the critical role freight forwarders play in connecting small and medium-sized enterprises to international markets and global value chains.
As FIATA enters its second century, the FIATA Centennial Declaration on the Future of Logistics sets out a vision and call to action for a logistics sector that is trusted, resilient, connected and sustainable. Its principles will guide FIATA's continued work with its members, international organisations, governments and industry partners, reaffirming the role of freight forwarders as the orchestrators of increasingly complex global supply chains and logistics ecosystems, connecting markets, enabling resilience and supporting sustainable growth for future generations.
About FIATA
FIATA International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations is a non-governmental, membership-based organisation representing freight forwarders in some 150 territories. FIATA’s membership is composed of 106 Associations Members and more than 4,700 Individual Members, overall representing an industry of 50,000 freight forwarding and logistics firms worldwide. Based in Geneva, FIATA is ‘the global voice of freight logistics'.
www.fiata.org
Contact
Pritha Prasad
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