Talent recognised at FIATA World Congress

October 18, 2024

The 2024 FIATA World Congress concluded at the end of September as a resounding success, having brought together 878 leaders, experts, and stakeholders from the global logistics and freight forwarding industry from across 85 territories.

The International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), a non-governmental, membership-based organisation representing freight forwarders in some 150 territories, has been convening industry leaders and innovators in logistics at its flagship FIATA World Congress for nearly 100 years (the first congress took place in Vienna, Austria, in 1926). This year’s rendition was held from 23 to 27 September in the strategically significant capital city of Panama, which plays a central role in connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Participants engaged in insightful discussions on various global logistics trends, with a particular emphasis on digital transformation, sustainability, and the evolving regulatory environment. In the context of ongoing supply chain turmoil and uncertainties amid global tensions, the congress highlighted the importance of innovation, resilience, and collaboration in navigating current and future disruptions in logistics.

A key moment from the congress was the recognition of Laura Cristin Egerer, head of imports and customs at EgeTrans – an internationally active family business based in Germany that offers forwarding and logistics services – as the 2024 Young Logistics Professionals (YLP) global winner.

Egerer impressed the audience in a Ted Talk and panel discussion, demonstrating her exceptional expertise. In her dissertation, “Reliable Logistics Solutions in an Unreliable Environment”, she examined the export of an oversized combustion chamber and the import of a dangerous goods sea freight shipment. Her solution-oriented approach to these complex cargo movements is a testament to her expertise, as well as her innovative thinking.

As the European champion, Egerer was nominated by the Federal Association of Freight Forwarders in Germany (DSLV) to compete against nominees from the Americas, Africa, and Asia in front of a renowned jury and freight forwarding experts.

“This is an excellent result and a great success,” said Axel Plaß, president of the DSLV. “Laura Cristin Egerer is a perfect ambassador for our industry. Her performance not only shows the high level of German dual vocational training in medium-sized freight forwarding companies, but also the international career prospects in logistics. We congratulate the winner and her training company, EgeTrans, which laid the foundation for this success.”

The YLP is regarded as the highest freight forwarding award for young professionals worldwide. It is presented by FIATA and TT Club, a leading provider of insurance and risk management services for the international freight transport sector. “For over 20 years, FIATA and TT Club have been providing valuable training opportunities for the young rising stars of the industry by organising a yearly contest. The competition demonstrates the recognition by FIATA and TT Club of the need to develop skilled human resources in the freight forwarding and logistics sector and to acknowledge young talents,” emphasised Turgut Erkeskin, president of FIATA. “This award is a unique experience for young professionals, allowing them to gain more experience in the industry and (make) connections throughout the competition. Congratulations to Laura and all the finalists for their contributions and for illustrating the bright future of our industry.”

Michael Yarwood, MD of loss prevention at TT Club, added: “The challenges facing the modern logistics sector are varied and complex – perhaps more so than in any other period in the history of global trade. The professionality, initiative, and creativity of our talented young logistics practitioners are, we believe, critical in maintaining the stability of world trade now and in the future. As TT has always been committed to improving that stability, we support without question the YLP programme and congratulate Laura Cristin Egerer, all the finalists, and FIATA for its continued efforts in nurturing young talent.”

The selection of the Ethiopian Freight Forwarder and Shipping Agents Association (EFFSAA) to host the 2027 FIATA World Congress was another momentous highlight. EFFSAA president and FIATA airfreight institute chair, Dawit Woubishet, reiterated the importance of this milestone not only for Ethiopia, but for the whole continent.

“This is not only a source of immense pride for Ethiopia, but for Africa as a whole. We are honoured and thrilled to have been given this extraordinary opportunity to host such a globally recognised event. The 2027 FIATA World Congress will be held in Addis Ababa, a city known for its rich culture, dynamic growth, and pivotal role in regional and international diplomacy,” said Woubishet.

He further elaborated on Ethiopia’s role as an emerging hub for international logistics, noting that the congress will offer a platform to showcase the continent’s growing influence in shaping the future of trade and supply chains. “Hosting this congress is more than a privilege – it is a turning point for Africa. The FIATA World Congress has been hosted in various global regions, and bringing it to Africa underscores the increasing importance of our continent in global trade and logistics,” he reiterated. “Ethiopia, with its strategic location and fast-developing infrastructure, is ready to serve as the gateway for this new era.”

The next FIATA World Congress will be held from 6 to 10 October 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam, where the focus will shift to continuing the dialogue on sustainability and digitalisation, ensuring that the logistics sector remains at the forefront of global economic recovery and growth.