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

Sustainability, Training & Key FIATA Events in 2026

FIATA e-flash
27 April 2026

Sustainability: FIATA Digitalisation at Smart Freight Centre Week 2026

FIATA participated in the Smart Freight Centre Week from 14 to 16 April in Amsterdam, a key international forum dedicated to advancing practical solutions for sustainable freight. FIATA was represented by its Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, who delivered a keynote address emphasising the strategic role of freight forwarders in maintaining resilient and efficient global supply chains in an increasingly disrupted operating environment. The event provided an important platform to reinforce FIATA’s visibility and leadership in global discussions shaping the future of sustainable logistics.

In his keynote, Dr Graber highlighted that resilience and sustainability are now structurally linked. Geopolitical instability, climate‑related disruptions and forced rerouting are no longer exceptional events but recurring realities, with direct operational and environmental consequences. Freight forwarders play a central coordinating role in mitigating these impacts by optimising routes, reducing inefficiencies and supporting informed, data‑driven decision‑making. Data and digitalisation were positioned as strategic infrastructure, enabling faster responses to disruption while ensuring transparency, consistency and environmental accountability.

The broader discussions held throughout the week confirmed that, despite uncertainty, demand for decarbonisation continues to grow. Participants agreed that progress depends less on individual technologies and more on credible data, harmonised methodologies and collaboration across the value chain. Persistent challenges include fragmented emissions data, inconsistent reporting practices and regulatory complexity, underlining the need for scalable, business‑integrated solutions that are accessible to both large operators and SMEs.

FIATA’s engagement at Smart Freight Center Week directly aligns with the Federation’s strategic priorities: advancing digitalisation, promoting the electronic Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL) as trusted global infrastructure, strengthening data governance, and supporting capacity‑building and partnerships for members worldwide. The Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading—particularly in its electronic form—was highlighted as a unique, globally recognised house-level standard capable of supporting door‑to‑door visibility, efficiency and, in the future, consistent carbon data. Through its presence, FIATA reaffirmed its role as the global voice of freight forwarders and its commitment to ensuring that the industry remains a key enabler of resilient, efficient and sustainable global trade.

FIATA and Smart Freight Centre signed on 26 September 2024 a Memorandum of Understanding during the 2024 FIATA World Congress in Panama. As part of this partnership, FIATA and Smart Freight Centre committed to jointly advancing decarbonisation in global logistics, notably through co‑branded online sustainability and emissions‑accounting training programmes, delivered via the Smart Freight Centre Academy and offered to FIATA Members at a preferential rate. For more information please contact [email protected]

Click here to access the FIATA Training Portal

Dr Stéphane Graber, FIATA Director General with Mr Christophe Wolf, Smart Freight Centre CEO.

Training: FIATA at the ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2026

From left to right: FIATA Vice-President, Ms Kaoutar Guessous; Mr Hicham Soufi, AFFM Director; and Ms Sofia Aiche, FIATA Head of Training and Programmes.

FIATA, represented by Ms Sofia Aiche, Head of Training and Programmes, participated in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium (GISS) 2026, held in Marrakech, Morocco, under the theme "Regional Solutions, Global Benefits". As the global voice of freight forwarding, FIATA’s engagement at the GISS 2026 aligned with key discussions on the safe transport of dangerous goods by air, the implementation of global aviation standards, and the need for enhanced capacity building across regions, while ensuring that the operational realities of freight forwarders remained visible within the broader dialogue. As these priorities continue to shape the evolution of air cargo, maintaining a close connection between freight forwarders and the aviation ecosystem remains essential.
 
At the heart of FIATA's participation was the promotion of the joint ICAO-FIATA Dangerous Goods by Air Training Course. Through the dedicated booth, supported by FIATA's local Association Member the Association des Freight Forwarders du Maroc (AFFM), the Moroccan Freight Forwarders Academy (MFFA), Dangerous Goods Management India (DGM India), and Dangerous Goods Specialists Ltd, FIATA engaged with aviation stakeholders from around the world and had the opportunity to present FIATA's work directly to the Ministry of Transport of the Kingdom of Morocco.
 
The programme provides freight forwarders and logistics professionals with internationally recognised, high-quality training on one of the most critical compliance areas in air transport. Expanding its reach remains a priority for FIATA, and events like GISS are the ideal platform to do so.
 
Training centres interested in joining the growing pool of FIATA-ICAO accredited centres are warmly encouraged to get in touch. Visit our dedicated webpage to learn more.

2026 FIATA World Congress: Celebrating 100 Years in Milan

This October, Milan will welcome the global freight forwarding and logistics community for a truly historic occasion. The 2026 FIATA World Congress, taking place from 6–9 October 2026, marks the centenary of the Federation, 100 years of connecting, representing, and advancing the global freight forwarding industry.

Hosted by Federazione nazionale delle Imprese di Spedizioni internazionali (FEDESPEDI), titled "Empowering Global Logistics", the Congress will bring together industry leaders, experts, and professionals from across the globe to discuss the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector today.

The programme will feature high-level panels on navigating the supply chain landscape, restructuring and optimising multimodal corridors, examining digitalisation and cybersecurity within the supply chain environment, tackling the changing customs landscape with practical considerations, balancing sustainability ambitions with commercial realities, and managing risk, insurance, and safety and security in a volatile trade environment. Stay tuned for the session descriptions and the speakers reveal!

Alongside the high-level sessions, an exhibition area will offer added visibility for partners and organisations, creating a dynamic space to showcase solutions, exchange ideas, and strengthen industry connections. The Congress will also provide dedicated networking opportunities, including a Welcome Reception and a Gala Dinner designed to bring participants together in a more informal setting.

The 2026 FIATA World Congress will be the 63rd Congress and, as FIATA's centennial celebration, a moment to reflect on a century of resilience and look ahead with renewed ambition.

FIATA warmly encourages all its Members to join this landmark event and be part of writing the next chapter in the Federation's history.

Register here for the 2026 FIATA World Congress

2026 FIATA Regional Field Meetings: 4 Regions, Countless Opportunities

2026 is a landmark year for FIATA, and its regional field meetings reflect the Federation's commitment to staying close to its Members across all corners of the world. From Europe to Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and Africa and the Middle East, four regional gatherings will bring the global freight forwarding community together throughout the year.

In Bucharest, Romania, the 2026 FIATA-Region Europe (REU) Field Meeting will take place from 18 to 20 May, organised in collaboration with the Romanian Freight Forwarders Association (USER) and held alongside the European Congress SEEFF 2026. The event marks a historic first for Romania as the host of a FIATA Regional Field Meeting, and will address key topics including supply chain resilience, digitalisation, and the implementation of electronic transport documents.

Register here for the 2026 FIATA-REU Field Meeting

The FIATA-Region Asia-Pacific (RAP) Field Meeting will be hosted in Tianjin, China from 2 to 4 June, jointly organised with the China International Freight Forwarders Association (CIFA). Running concurrently with the 4th Tianjin International Shipping Industry Expo, the meeting will focus on digital transformation, sustainability, and regional cooperation, with additional opportunities for business matching and networking with leading enterprises from across the global shipping and maritime supply chain.

Register here for the 2026 FIATA-RAP Field Meeting

The FIATA-Region Africa and the Middle East (RAME) Field Meeting will be held in Doha, Qatar taking place 9-10 November. Organised by the Qatar Association of Freight and Logistics (QAFL) under the umbrella of the Qatar Chamber, the meeting will bring together freight forwarders, logistics providers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across Africa and the Middle East for strategic dialogue, knowledge sharing, and high-level networking. A logistics exhibition will also run alongside the conference.

Register here for the 2026 FIATA-RAME Field Meeting

Rounding off the year, the FIATA-Region Americas Field Meeting will be held in Cartagena, Colombia from 25 to 27 November, in conjuction with the Federación Colombiana de Agentes Logísticos en Comercio Internacional (FITAC) International Congress (FIC) 2026. Bringing together business leaders, authorities, and international experts, the event will provide a strategic platform to discuss trends, regulatory developments, and opportunities shaping the future of international trade and logistics in the region.

Register here for the 2026 FIATA-RAMS Field Meeting

FIATA encourages all Members to save the relevant dates and follow the FIATA website for further updates and registration details as they become available.

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