FIATA, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations, is proud to announce its recognition as the NGO of the Year at the prestigious 10th Ekonomi ve Lojistik Zirvesi (Economy and Logistics Summit) in Istanbul. This esteemed award, presented by the Turkish logistics community, underscores FIATA’s significant and expanding influence within the global logistics sector.
The award is a testament to FIATA’s impactful work in recent years. FIATA extends its deep gratitude to its President, Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, for his visionary leadership, and to all its Members and Partners whose unwavering dedication and contributions made this achievement possible.
The honor was shared at the summit by FIATA President Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, Immediate Past President Mr. Ivan Petrov, and Ms. Inessa Platanova, Chair of the FIATA Foundation Vocational Training (FFVT) Management Committee, alongside FIATA Director General Dr. Stéphane Graber. Their presence highlighted the dynamism of Türkiye’s logistics sector and FIATA’s pivotal role in global industry leadership.
FIATA’s Central Role in Shaping the Future of Logistics
FIATA played a central role at the 10th Economy and Logistics Summit, held in Istanbul from July 2-3, 2025. The event convened key decision-makers and logistics leaders to address critical topics such as global supply chain shifts, digital transformation, and Türkiye’s strategic potential in multimodal transport.
FIATA President Mr. Turgut Erkeskin opened the summit, setting a forward-looking tone for discussions on how freight forwarders can drive resilience and innovation. During a high-level session on global logistics evolution, he emphasized the urgent need to rethink transport corridors and foster deeper alignment between infrastructure, policy, and digital solutions.
In the Day 1 closing panel, “Global Logistics Trends and the Parameters of Future Logistics,” FIATA Immediate Past President Mr. Ivan Petrov and Director General Dr. Stéphane Graber detailed how the logistics industry is adapting to an increasingly complex and interconnected world. The discussion focused on equipping the industry for the future through smarter regulation, targeted innovation, and a human-centered approach.
Advancing Digital Transformation and Sustainable Practices
A key focus of the summit was the electronic negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL), presented as a tangible step towards paperless trade. The eFBL, already available in over 35 territories and integrated with more than 50 platforms and Transport Management Systems (TMS), facilitates seamless multimodal operations. While some members have fully transitioned to digital issuance, broader market adoption faces challenges including system interoperability, legal recognition, and stakeholder readiness.
To accelerate eFBL uptake, three priorities were identified:
- Enhancing interoperability through alignment with international standards like the UN/CEFACT Reference Data Model and contributions to the Digital Standards Initiative (DSI).
- Securing legal certainty via frameworks such as the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records and the forthcoming Negotiable Cargo Document (NCD) Convention.
- Driving market adoption through awareness campaigns, training, and collaborative pilot projects that build user trust and demonstrate practical value.
The summit also highlighted the importance of strengthening corridor performance for trade facilitation, emphasizing predictable and coordinated border processes. Expanding Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programs, especially for SMEs, and promoting their mutual recognition across jurisdictions were stressed. Risk-based approaches, such as Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information (PLACI), were cited as crucial for efficient and secure customs controls.
Discussions also addressed rising regulatory complexity, including fragmented data requirements and growing environmental compliance burdens. For digital transformation to succeed, it must be underpinned by strong data governance. The FIATA-GSF (Global Shippers Forum) Charter for Protection And Governance of Data was referenced as a vital tool for fair, secure, and transparent data handling, particularly for SMEs navigating evolving privacy rules.
In the push towards a more sustainable logistics industry, the need for harmonized frameworks reflecting operational realities was underscored. Practical tools like the Global Logistics Emissions Council (GLEC) Framework for emissions tracking and participation in green corridor pilots are enabling members to transition to cleaner logistics models.
Skills Development and Future Readiness
Resilience and competitiveness were directly linked to skills development. The summit emphasized that digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring all actors have access to necessary tools and training. This includes upskilling for digital processes, automation, and Artificial Intelligence, alongside attracting new talent through improved working conditions and growth opportunities.
On Day 2, FIATA led a dedicated session titled “UN/CEFACT Standards as a Common Foundation for Digital Data and Document Exchange on Multimodal Transportation.” Moderated by FIATA President Mr. Turgut Erkeskin, the session featured Ms. Inessa Platanova, Mr. Mario Apostolov (UNECE), Mr. Michael Dill (UN/CEFACT Expert), and Mr. Zakariyya Vakilov from the Port of Baku. The session explored how international data and document standards can enhance transparency, reduce administrative friction, and enable efficient multimodal logistics across borders.
This recognition as NGO of the Year reaffirms FIATA’s commitment to leading the global logistics industry forward through innovation, collaboration, and advocacy.
