Under the OECD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Programme in Asia, the International Transport Forum (ITF) assesses large-scale regional freight transport infrastructure programmes for Southeast Asia. The study covers ten countries in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on Thailand, Indonesia, and The Philippines. The ITF have published four methodology papers on enhancing freight connectivity, decarbonisation, and resilience of freight transport systems in the region.

Day one of the Policy Dialogue was co-hosted by the Ministry for National Development and Planning of Indonesia (Bappenas). Keynote addresses and ITF presentations set the tone for a dynamic and solution-oriented discussion on aligning the freight transport development with resilience and sustainability goals in Southeast Asia. Discussions addressed the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, and prioritising smart planning and investments to enhance regional connectivity, resilience and sustainability.

The second day, organised in collaboration with UNDP Indonesia, shifted to technical learning and capacity building. Expert-led workshops unpacked the integrated assessment frameworks of connectivity, sustainability and resilience, data collection methodologies, and scenario-based freight modelling.

The event brought together around 50 participants from ASEAN country national administrations, primarily from ministries of transport, as well as from international and bilateral development partners (e.g., UNEP, UNDP, World Bank, AIIB).