The secretary general of the International Road Transport Union, Umberto de Pretto, has been awarded a distinction by the International Road Federation (3918 IRF Washington). This is the IRF's highest and most prestigious individual distinction and is the Professional of the Year Award. This award was first established in 1951 and recognises eminent public, private and education sector professionals with an outstanding track record of leadership and commitment to the road transport industry. Throughout the years, the award has been given to some of the world's most influential transport leaders for their work in the field of advocacy, policy, research and educational programs in support of better, safer and more sustainable road networks globally.
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) upholds the interests of bus, coach, taxi and truck operators worldwide to ensure economic growth and prosperity through the sustainable mobility of people and goods via roads.
"The Award recognises Mr. de Pretto's significant advocacy work in enhancing public understanding of the nature and economic role of road transport," noted Eng Abdullah A Al-Mogbel, chairman of the IRF. "Under his leadership, the IRU continues to address physical and non-physical impediments to commerce, thereby contributing to a much-needed debate on current and future road asset needs."
"I am honoured to receive an award from an organisation which, like the IRU, recognises that road transport drives progress, prosperity and ultimately peace," said de Pretto. "This distinction is a tribute to the work of the IRU, my team, and, particularly, our Members who are committed to working together for a better future. I am all the more grateful to receive this distinguished IRF award as every millimetre of infrastructure built allows the road transport industry to better ensure the sustainable mobility of people and goods everywhere, anytime."
IRF president and CEO C Patrick Sankey remarked, "Both organisations share many of the same policy priorities, and it is my hope this award will pave the way for renewed cooperation around joint advocacy initiatives and demonstration programmes."
The IRF Professional of the Year Award will be presented during the 1st IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress & Exhibition, to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, September 15-18, 2015.
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) upholds the interests of bus, coach, taxi and truck operators worldwide to ensure economic growth and prosperity through the sustainable mobility of people and goods via roads.
"The Award recognises Mr. de Pretto's significant advocacy work in enhancing public understanding of the nature and economic role of road transport," noted Eng Abdullah A Al-Mogbel, chairman of the IRF. "Under his leadership, the IRU continues to address physical and non-physical impediments to commerce, thereby contributing to a much-needed debate on current and future road asset needs."
"I am honoured to receive an award from an organisation which, like the IRU, recognises that road transport drives progress, prosperity and ultimately peace," said de Pretto. "This distinction is a tribute to the work of the IRU, my team, and, particularly, our Members who are committed to working together for a better future. I am all the more grateful to receive this distinguished IRF award as every millimetre of infrastructure built allows the road transport industry to better ensure the sustainable mobility of people and goods everywhere, anytime."
IRF president and CEO C Patrick Sankey remarked, "Both organisations share many of the same policy priorities, and it is my hope this award will pave the way for renewed cooperation around joint advocacy initiatives and demonstration programmes."
The IRF Professional of the Year Award will be presented during the 1st IRF Europe & Central Asia Regional Congress & Exhibition, to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, September 15-18, 2015.
