Georgetown, Guyana | July 24, 2026 – The International Road Federation (IRF Global) has successfully concluded the 13th IRF Caribbean Regional Congress, bringing together government leaders, road agencies, engineers, development partners, researchers, and industry professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond for four days of technical exchange, strategic dialogue, and regional collaboration.

More than a conference, the Congress served as a platform where transportation leaders addressed the region’s shared challenges, exchanged practical solutions, and reinforced a collective commitment to building transportation systems that are safer, more resilient, and better connected.

ADDRESSING THE CARIBBEAN’S MOST PRESSING TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES

Throughout the Congress, delegates explored the issues shaping the future of transportation across the Caribbean, including climate resilience, road safety and Vision Zero, road asset management, bridge engineering, sustainable pavement technologies, performance-based maintenance, public transportation, digital innovation, and regional connectivity.

Designed specifically around the priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and coastal economies, the technical program combined international best practices with regional experience, creating valuable opportunities for governments, development institutions, academia, and the private sector to collaborate on practical, long-term solutions.

A SHARED VISION FOR REGIONAL PROGRESS

Opening the Congress, IRF Chairman Randell Iwasaki emphasized that while Caribbean nations face significant transportation challenges, they also possess the expertise, innovation, and determination needed to overcome them.

“The challenges facing small island and coastal states are real — but so is the talent, experience, and determination in this room.”

He highlighted that the Congress would focus on the issues that matter most to the region—from climate resilience and road safety to smarter regional connectivity—while creating opportunities for lasting collaboration among transportation professionals.

GUYANA AT THE CENTER OF REGIONAL DIALOGUE

Opening the Congress, Honourable Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P., Minister of Public Works of Guyana, described the gathering as taking place at a defining moment for both Guyana and the wider Caribbean.

He reminded delegates that climate change is no longer a distant concern but an engineering reality already affecting transportation systems across the region. He also underscored the importance of bringing together policymakers, development institutions, researchers, engineers, construction professionals, technology innovators, financial institutions, and road safety experts to collectively address the region’s evolving infrastructure needs.

BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS BEYOND THE CONGRESS

Beyond its technical sessions, workshops, and exhibition, the Congress fostered new partnerships, strengthened existing collaborations, and encouraged continued dialogue among transportation leaders committed to improving mobility throughout the Caribbean.

The discussions initiated in Georgetown will continue through future cooperation, technical assistance, knowledge exchange, and IRF Global’s ongoing programs supporting transportation agencies worldwide.

LOOKING AHEAD

IRF Global extends its sincere appreciation to the Government of Guyana, the Ministry of Public Works, its speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, partners, delegates, and volunteers whose commitment made the 13th IRF Caribbean Regional Congress a remarkable success.

While the Congress has concluded, its impact will continue through the partnerships established, the ideas exchanged, and the shared commitment to advancing safer, more resilient, and more sustainable transportation infrastructure across the Caribbean.