The recent Go-YEEP Forum fostered a vibrant spirit of cooperation on smart road transport regulations during a dynamic international event held across three major Chinese cities.
The Go-YEEP Forum, hosted by the China Automotive Standardization Research Institute (CASRI) of the China Automotive Technology & Research Center (CATARC) and automobile manufacturer Geely, brought together a new generation of transport experts from around the globe to foster collaboration in standardisation and regulatory harmonisation within the road transport sector.
Nearly 30 experts representing 23 international standardisation bodies, together with over 100 participants from Chinese domestic enterprises, attended the forum. The dialogue marked a significant milestone in the pursuit of technical alignment and regulatory convergence in international road transport.
Representatives from CATARC, CASRI and Geely highlighted how harmonised regulations and unified standards can significantly enhance road safety, promote sustainability, and support economic development. CASRI also underlined its commitment to positioning Go-YEEP as a dynamic platform for exchange, collaboration, and capacity building among the next generation of experts involved in standardisation and regulatory harmonisation.
Key site visits included the Geely factory in Ningbo, a cutting-edge new energy vehicle testing centre, and CATARC¡¯s headquarters in Tianjin. The visits demonstrated the critical role of technology immersion in the development and adoption of standards that remove barriers and accelerate smart, sustainable transport innovation.
Participants shared both challenges and progress from their respective countries and organisations. They agreed on the pressing need to adopt harmonised, simplified standards to facilitate global integration and innovation.
·¬ÇÑÊÓƵTechnical Affairs Adviser Hamza Guirrou detailed IRU's advocacy efforts within UNECE working groups, particularly at the World Forum for Harmonisation of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29). He also discussed how the ·¬ÇÑÊÓƵCommission on Technical Affairs is shaping positions that advocate for greater harmonisation and simplification of technical regulations.
Hamza Guirrou outlined that governments worldwide should review and modernise existing regulations, with a special focus on easing compliance for SMEs and harmonising standards across borders.
He also underscored the vital importance of capacity building, training and technical assistance as key tools to help countries modernise their transport systems and advance effective regulatory reform.
The forum was not only rich in technical insight but also energising and inspiring for future collaboration. It reaffirmed that global progress in road transport depends on inclusive cooperation and a shared commitment to smart regulation.
