From July 30 to August 2, 2024, INES actively participated in the 12th Regional Congress of the International Road Federation (IRF) in the Caribbean, held this year in Puerto Rico. This four-day event brought together experts from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities in road infrastructure. Under the theme “A Roadmap to a Safe, Inclusive, and Resilient Transport System”, this edition focused on seven key topics: developing resilient and inclusive road infrastructure and services, road asset management, innovative infrastructure financing, road safety, decarbonization of road transport, regional integration and cooperation, and capacity building within Caribbean public works ministries.
During the congress, INES presented two case studies in the plenary session on Thursday, August 1, focusing on how to enhance resilience through improved road asset management. By showcasing concrete examples developed for the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank, INES shared insights on how incorporating vulnerability and risk analysis into asset management can significantly strengthen infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance during emergencies and mitigating the impacts of extreme events.
Additionally, INES participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, July 31, titled “How much resilience can Governments afford?” which explored the financial and operational limitations of implementing resilient infrastructure.
INES’s participation in this congress not only reaffirms its leadership in assessing and enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure but also underscores its commitment to working with governments and international organizations to promote advanced practices in infrastructure management, ensuring that transport networks can withstand and quickly recover from future challenges.
