Lithuanian Presidency issues statements on road safety and artificial intelligence at ITF Summit
Lithuania, which holds the Presidency of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in 2023-24, has issued two statements, on a proposed road-safety assessment framework and on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the transport sector, during a ministerial press conference at the ITF Summit in Leipzig, Germany.
Ministers from the 66 member countries of the ITF are gathering in Leipzig for their Annual Summit from 22-24 May. The theme of the three-day Summit is “Greening Transport: Keeping Focus in Times of Crisis”.
Announcing the two statements, Lithuania’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Marius Skuodis, emphasised the importance of international collaboration on road safety and AI.
Recognising the crucial importance of road safety
In its statement on a proposed Road Safety Assessment Framework, the Lithuanian Presidency suggested steps the international community, and ITF member countries in particular, could take to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries resulting from road crashes worldwide.
The proposed framework would standardise and incentive road safety practices within the corporate value chain. It could be incorporated into corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social finance practices to guide and steer investments towards safer road infrastructure and practices, and improve road-safety outcomes.
Download the Lithuanian Presidency statement on a Road Safety Assessment Framework (PDF).
Harnessing the benefits of artificial intelligence
In its statement on the use of AI in the transport sector, the Lithuanian Presidency emphasised the need for transport authorities to focus on three areas:
- Improving awareness: Transport authorities should establish an inventory of AI development, procurement, and use cases to enhance oversight and risk assessment, fostering trust in AI's application in the public domain.
- Assessing and balancing risks and benefits: Transport authorities should conduct context-specific risk assessments for AI use, identify mitigation measures to ensure AI systems are safe and secure, and address issues such as privacy, cybersecurity, and accountability.
- Enhancing AI literacy and skills: Transport authorities should focus on training and recruitment to fill the AI skills gap within public authorities. Developing a competent workforce will enable better governance and the use of AI technologies.
Download the Lithuanian Presidency statement on the use of AI in the transport sector (PDF).