From September 26 to 28, 2024, in the beautiful setting of Sveti Martin na Muri, the 2nd International Conference on Sustainable Transport – SuTra 2024 – was held.
The event, organized by the Department for Logistics and Sustainable Mobility at the University North and the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the University of Rijeka, brought together more than 150 domestic and international experts in the fields of transport, logistics, urban planning, and related disciplines. Over three days of intense discussions, presentations, and panel sessions, key aspects of sustainable mobility were explored.

Opening Ceremony: Shared Goals of Education and the Profession

The conference was officially opened with welcome speeches by the Vice-Rector for Teaching and Student Affairs at the University North, Assoc. Prof. Vlado Tropša, Ph.D., and the Dean of the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the University of Rijeka, Prof. Ana Perić Hadžić, Ph.D. Representing the Rector of University North, Prof. Marin Milković, Ph.D., Vice-Rector Tropša emphasized that active participation in such events is essential for University North.
“Tracking innovations and changes in the profession, as showcased in conferences like this, allows us to implement these developments into our teaching process, thereby raising the quality of education for our students and advancing the profession regionally and internationally,” stated Vice-Rector Tropša.

Dean Perić Hadžić stressed the importance of connecting industry and educational institutions to find sustainable solutions that contribute to the development of transport and infrastructure. She highlighted that events like this not only create a platform for knowledge exchange but also foster networking among experts, encouraging collaborative efforts to address modern transportation challenges.

The attendees were also greeted by Rudi Grula, Director of the Tourist Board of Međimurje County, and Josip Grivec, Deputy Prefect of Međimurje County, both of whom played a significant role in supporting the organization of this event.

Diverse Program: Discussions, Presentations, and Panel Sessions

Building on the success of the first edition held in 2022 in Opatija, SuTra 2024 offered a rich and diverse program that included eight thematic sessions, four panel discussions, and two keynote presentations. Topics ranged from the collaboration between local authorities and institutions on improving traffic safety and sustainable infrastructure development to the role of rural mobility in supporting rural tourism, and the impact of generative artificial intelligence on transportation systems.

Key themes such as sustainable transport, smart cities, maritime and land transport, as well as air, rail, and road transportation, were at the heart of engaging discussions throughout the conference. Of particular interest was a panel on the opportunities for collaboration between higher education institutions through the Civitas program, which brings together educational institutions and professionals to improve knowledge and practices in the field of sustainable mobility.

As part of the conference, renowned international experts Sergio A. Useche and Stephanie E. Trpkov delivered two keynote speeches. Additionally, there was a book launch for “Energy Transition – The Hydrogen Paradigm”, authored by Darko Pavlović and Melita Srpak. In the context of European policies and global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, this book provides a valuable contribution to understanding the potential of hydrogen technologies as solutions for the future.

Global Perspective, Local Solutions: The Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration

One of the key messages of the SuTra 2024 conference was the importance of collaboration between different disciplines and sectors in order to develop and implement sustainable transportation solutions successfully. Experts agreed that solutions in the transport sector must be integrated with urban planning, environmental protection, and social development. Only through joint efforts, experience-sharing, and continuous research can strategies be created that meet current needs while ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

The SuTra conference has already become a recognized platform for discussing transport issues and exchanging ideas among professionals. Through this conference, University North and the Faculty of Maritime Studies at the University of Rijeka continue their commitment to advancing the profession and strengthening cooperation between the academic community, industry, and public institutions.

Additionally, the conference was attended by University North’s Vice-Rectors, Prof. Anica Hunjet, Ph.D., and Prof. Goran Kozina, Ph.D., as well as the Faculty of Maritime Studies’ Vice-Deans, Assoc. Prof. David Brčić, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Srđan Žuškin, Ph.D., and Prof. Edvard Tijan, Ph.D. Heads of departments and divisions at University North also attended, including Prof. Krešimir Buntak, Ph.D., Assoc. Prof. Predrag Brlek, Ph.D., Prof. Dinko Primorac, Ph.D., and Assoc. Prof. Tomislav Veliki, Ph.D.