Message from the President
As we approach the final page of the calendar, there may be things we regret. However, I hope each of you can confidently say that you have lived this year to the fullest, with no regrets, and without wasting time. Time is equally given to everyone, but it becomes meaningful only for those who use it wisely. Like the trembling final leaf in The Last Leaf, we now prepare to welcome the new year with the spirit of Janus.
Over the past year, we have witnessed remarkable efforts from our members across various areas, including hosting two Governing Council meetings, participating in Technical Committee activities, engaging in YEP initiatives, organizing business forums, expanding membership, managing our website, and preparing for the 16th General Conference. I am deeply grateful for your dedication.
These efforts represent the continuous growth of our association, year after year.
Although it is unfortunate that the number of member countries has been declining, we have garnered significant interest this past year through our interactions with Ministers and Vice Ministers from Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Mongolia, and Nepal.
Most importantly, the 17th General Conference will take place in the upcoming year. I would like to introduce this pivotal event, which I hope will serve as a stepping stone for the association’s continued growth.
The 17th REAAA Conference will be held in my home country, the Republic of Korea, in Goyang City, near Seoul, from 26th – 31st October 2025. The theme of the conference is Future Roads: Hyper-connection. This conference marks a meaningful milestone as I conclude my term as the President of REAAA. The event is expected to attract over 5,000 participants from 130 countries, including global leaders, and experts and policymakers in the road and transport sectors. Through the REAAA Conference, Council Meetings, and the Heads of Road Authorities (HORA) meeting, participants will have invaluable opportunities to address shared challenges and collaborate on finding solutions to pressing global issues, such as climate change.
The program will feature a wide range of activities, including technical presentations, exhibitions, technical tours, and cultural events. The technical sessions will include over 250 papers across 12 fields, with special sessions focusing on emerging trends and technologies. Additionally, the 2025 International Road Traffic Expo (ROTREX) will serve as a premier platform for showcasing world-class advancements in road infrastructure. Participants will also have the opportunity to explore South Korea’s cutting-edge road systems and technologies during the technical tours, as well as enjoy cultural tours celebrating the nation’s rich heritage and diversity.
Notably, this conference will coincide with the 2025 PIARC (World Road Association) Annual Meeting and the 6th IRF (International Road Federation) Asia-Pacific Regional Congress in South Korea, making it even more significant. Representatives from over 130 countries will come together to strengthen global collaboration and shape the future of road policies and technologies.
