Kuwait City, Kuwait – November 23, 2025 — The International Road Federation (IRF Global), in collaboration with the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), successfully co‑organized the Road Sustainability Forum: Present Challenges and Future Prospects. The initiative, hosted by KISR and supported by IRF Global’s MENA Sustainability Subcommittee, gathered stakeholders across public and private sectors to explore sustainable mobility and resilient infrastructure for Kuwait and the region.

A SHARED VISION FOR SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Leaders of KISR and KFAS opened the forum by underscoring Kuwait’s commitment to sustainable development. They emphasized how sustainable infrastructure and strategic planning are essential for achieving national goals, including Kuwait’s long-term development plans with sustainable mobility playing a central role.

In remarks delivered at the forum, KISR leadership reaffirmed the Institute’s dedication to integrating innovation and research in infrastructure projects. Through its Resource Sustainability and Recycling Program, and in line with its Strategic Plan, KISR aims to support the transition toward environmentally responsible road construction and maintenance.

FORMALIZING GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP AND EXPERTISE SHARING

A key milestone of the forum was the formal induction of KISR into the IRF Global network. This membership opens the door to access global expertise, capacity‑building programs, and best practices in road design, maintenance and sustainability — bridging local efforts with international standards.

By joining IRF Global, KISR strengthens Kuwait’s potential to benefit from global innovations in infrastructure — including advanced materials, sustainable pavements, and data-driven road asset management, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to resilient and future-ready mobility systems.

INSIGHTS FROM TECHNICAL SESSIONS: INNOVATION MEETS LOCAL NEEDS

The forum’s technical sessions brought together regional and international experts to address the future of road infrastructure under two pivotal themes: durability & materials innovation, and sustainable design & maintenance strategies. Presentations covered:

• Advanced pavement materials, including fiber-reinforced and recycled-content solutions suitable for Kuwait’s climate and road network demands.
• Asphalt mixture innovations tailored for regional environmental conditions and long-term durability.
• Applications of recycled plastics and industrial waste in pavement engineering — supporting circular economy principles and reducing reliance on virgin materials.
• Analytical and predictive modeling tools for assessing pavement performance and maintenance needs, supporting data-driven decision-making in infrastructure management.

These discussions underscore the potential for research-driven engineering solutions to address climate, environmental, and maintenance challenges in Kuwait’s road infrastructure sector.

STRONG ENGAGEMENT REFLECTS GROWING INTEREST

The forum attracted more than 160 participants, including public‑sector representatives, researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders reflecting broad interest in sustainable mobility and international collaboration. The turnout signals growing awareness and demand for science-based, resilient infrastructure solutions in the region.

This strong engagement demonstrates that sustainable road development transcends engineering: it is seen as a strategic enabler for national growth, environmental stewardship, and long-term resilience in mobility and urban development.

LOOKING AHEAD: FROM DIALOGUE TO ACTION

IRF Global and KISR reaffirm their commitment to transform the insights and discussions from the forum into concrete cooperation. Through joint research, capacity‑building, and application of global best practices, they intend to support Kuwait’s infrastructure sector in embracing innovation, durability, and sustainability.

By merging KISR’s scientific expertise with IRF Global’s global reach and standards, the partnership aims to contribute to a future where roads are not only built but designed with foresight — ensuring safety, resilience, and sustainability for generations to come.