FIATA
International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations
The global voice of freight logistics

Sustainability, Regional Collaborations & Strategic Partnerships in Focus

FIATA e-flash
16 May 2025

Sustainability: EU Emissions Trading System Cuts Emissions by 50% – What It Means for Logistics

The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has reached an important milestone: emissions in covered sectors have fallen by 50% since 2005. In 2024 alone, emissions dropped by 5%, driven by the power sector’s switch to renewable energy and broader industrial decarbonisation.

This is especially relevant for the logistics sector. The EU ETS now includes maritime transport, requiring shipping companies to monitor and report emissions on EU routes, and to surrender allowances accordingly. Aviation has been under the scheme since 2012. These changes reinforce the direction of EU climate policy: carbon-intensive transport is being priced and monitored more closely than ever.

So what can freight forwarders and logistics companies do?

  • Stay informed: Understand how emissions costs are being passed through by your carriers.
  • Optimise your transport mix: When feasible, favour lower-emission modes like rail or short-sea shipping.
  • Measure your emissions: Start building internal capacity to track and report emissions.
  • Use the right tools: FIATA has compiled a repository of CO₂ emissions calculators to help you get started.
  • Prioritise reduction: Focus on cutting emissions at the source before considering offsetting strategies.

Taking action today can not only support compliance, but also strengthen your sustainability credentials in a shifting regulatory and commercial environment.
If you have any questions, or would like more information, contact FIATA at sustainability@fiata.org.

Regional Dialogue: FIATA Engages RAME Association Leaders in Zanzibar

On 1 May 2025, during the FIATA-RAME Field Meeting in Zanzibar, FIATA convened a high-level session with the presidents and leaders of FIATA Association Members across 15 territories in the FIATA Region Africa and the Middle East (RAME). In addition, two presidents of freight forwarding associations that are not yet FIATA Members were invited to join the discussions. This gathering offered an important opportunity for mutual exchange, dialogue, and renewed cooperation between FIATA and its Members in the region.

Chaired by FIATA President, Mr Turgut Erkeskin, and supported by FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, the meeting aimed to deepen understanding of the challenges and priorities facing the FIATA RAME Association Members and to present the ways in which FIATA is positioned to provide ongoing support. The discussion reaffirmed FIATA’s commitment to act not only as a representative body at the global level, but as a collaborative partner grounded in the realities of its Members.

The session offered a comprehensive overview of FIATA’s activities, including its work in global policy advocacy, technical support for FIATA Association Members, and training and professional development initiatives. A particular focus was placed on the digital transformation of trade, with an overview of the electronic Negotiable FIATA Multimodal Transport Bill of Lading (eFBL), a secure solution designed to help FIATA Members transition towards interoperable, digital trade documentation in a way that reflects their local needs and capacities.

The meeting also served as a platform for open dialogue. The FIATA Association Member leaders and the future FIATA Association Members shared insights into their local contexts, highlighting shared concerns such as the need for regulatory reform, improved training frameworks, and greater consistency in documentation and standards. These exchanges provided valuable insights for FIATA to better understand how its support can be tailored to regional needs.

Encouragingly, the meeting fostered new momentum for collaboration. A number of FIATA Association Members expressed interest in deepening their engagement with FIATA, and discussions pointed to a renewed sense of alignment with FIATA’s vision and resources. The participation and interest of additional associations considering FIATA membership also point to a broader reinforcement of the regional network.

As the global freight forwarding sector continues to evolve, FIATA remains committed to supporting all its Members, through shared knowledge, practical tools, and spaces for dialogue that strengthen both regional and global cooperation.

Strategic Partnerships: Renewed Engagement with AU, UNECA, and Ethiopian Stakeholders

FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, and FIATA Airfreight Institute Chair and President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA), Mr Dawit Woubishet, meeting with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Chief of Section Mr George Balarabe Ogboro and his team.

Following the successful FIATA Region Africa and Middle East (RAME) Field Meeting in Zanzibar, held from 30 April to 1 May 2025, FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber, extended his mission to Addis Ababa to engage with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), supported by FIATA Airfreight Institute (AFI) Chair and President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA), Mr Dawit Woubishet. The visit aimed to revive and strengthen collaboration with these organisations, particularly in support of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative.

Multilateral Cooperation: Advancing FIATA’s Collaboration with AU and UNECA

FIATA Director General visits the Africa Hall, the permanent headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and a historic landmark in Addis Ababa.

In 2021, FIATA, in collaboration with the then Chair of the FIATA Region Africa and the Middle East (RAME), Mr Salahadin Khalifa from the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA), engaged in discussions with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) regarding the expansion of FIATA’s strategic collaboration partnerships within the African market. These early conversations reflected FIATA’s long-standing commitment to multilateral collaboration, particularly through its work with international organisations driving trade and development policy.

FIATA holds consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and collaborates closely with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT). FIATA also holds permanent observer status with the World Customs Organization (WCO), where it contributes actively to the Private Sector Consultative Group and leads working groups on trade facilitation and the review of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes.

The initiative to reinforce collaboration with the AU and UNECA was warmly welcomed. UNECA noted that the timing was ideal, while the AU expressed satisfaction with the previous exchanges and the solid foundation of relations already established. Both UNECA and FIATA recognised the significant potential and mutual interest in working more closely together in the future. UNECA has identified five priority logistics corridors and is heavily engaged in advancing AfCFTA, where it sees strong synergies with FIATA’s work.

During the visit, the FIATA Director General and the President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association also visited the UNECA Conference Center and its newly renovated Africa Hall, one of Addis Ababa’s historic landmarks. The venue is under consideration as a potential site for the 2027 FIATA World Congress. Conveniently located in central Addis Ababa, the UNECA Conference Center is within walking distance of several major international hotel chains, making it a highly suitable venue for an event of this scale.

Discussions will continue over the coming months, under the auspices of FIATA and with the support of EFFSAA, FIATA’s Association Member in Ethiopia, to further explore the potential for collaboration and to review the existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), which were endorsed by the FIATA Presidency in 2022. This collaboration aims to advance trade facilitation, capacity building, and digitalisation initiatives, thereby contributing to the broader development of the logistics and freight forwarding sector across Africa. Through this effort, FIATA remains committed to supporting its Members in the African region under FIATA RAME, reflecting FIATA’s continued commitment to supporting its Members in the African region, while upholding its role as the global voice of freight logistics.

Regional Alliances: Strengthening Connections for the 2027 FIATA World Congress in Ethiopia

From left to right: FIATA AFI Chair and President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA), Mr Dawit Woubishet; CEO of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Services Share Company, Mr Takele Uma Banti; and FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber.

The FIATA delegation also met with Mr Takele Uma Banti, Chief Executive Officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company. Their discussions explored the potential contributions of the rail sector to the success of the Congress and its long-term implications for regional logistics. These engagements mark a meaningful step towards ensuring a strategically anchored and inclusive FIATA World Congress in Africa.

During the visit, the FIATA Director General also met with EFFSAA Board members to exchange views on the latest challenges facing the logistics industry. FIATA expresses its sincere thanks to FIATA Airfreight Institute (AFI) Chair and President of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarders and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA), Mr Dawit Woubishet, and EFFSAA General Manager, Ms Birtukan Haregewoin, for their dedicated efforts in organising two intensive days of high-level discussions, reinforcing ties between FIATA and the FIATA RAME region in the lead-up to the 2027 FIATA World Congress.

From left to right: EFFSAA Board Member, Mr Goitom Asfaw; FIATA AFI Chair and EFFSAA President, Mr Dawit Woubishet; EFFSAA General Manager, Ms Birtukan Haregewoin; EFFSAA Board Member, Ms Emebet Tafesse; and FIATA Director General, Dr Stéphane Graber.

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