Hong Kong has been officially designated as the host of the 2028 UITP Summit, a milestone event that will be held in the Asia-Pacific region for the first time. The decision followed a competitive selection process and was confirmed by the UITP Executive Board, the governing body of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP).

Global Rotation of the Summit

The UITP Summit is the world’s leading event in the field of public transport, drawing thousands of professionals from over 100 countries every year. The 2028 edition is part of the summit’s global rotation, following the 2026 event in Dubai and the return to Hamburg in 2027. This move highlights the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region in shaping the future of sustainable urban mobility.

According to the UITP Executive Board, Hong Kong was chosen for its advanced public transport system and its role as a global hub for innovation in urban mobility. The city’s rail network, operated by MTR Corporation, handles approximately 90% of daily journeys for residents and is a model of integrated development in transport, infrastructure, and urban planning.

Significance for the Region

The selection of Hong Kong reflects the Asia-Pacific region’s increasing influence in the global conversation around public transport. As cities in the region undergo rapid urbanization and technological transformation, the summit will serve as a platform to explore new strategies and support international collaboration.

“Bringing the UITP Summit to Hong Kong in 2028 reflects the global strength of the Asia-Pacific region and the central role that public transport plays in shaping sustainable cities,” said UITP Secretary General Mohamed Mezghani. “We look forward to working closely with MTR Corporation and local partners to organize a summit that highlights the region’s leadership in urban mobility.”

MTR Corporation, which has been a member of UITP since 1990, will act as the host organization for the 2028 event. The company has a long history of participation in the organization’s committees and has previously hosted Asia-Pacific regional conferences.

Jeny Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of MTR Corporation, expressed pride in the selection. “We are deeply honored to bring the UITP Summit to Hong Kong for the first time in the Asia-Pacific region. The event will serve as a valuable platform for public transport stakeholders from around the world to explore strategies and strengthen collaboration in the face of challenges and opportunities brought about by technological advances, asset quality, changing passenger expectations, and evolving public policy frameworks,” Yeung said.

Expected Impact and Participation

The 2028 summit is expected to attract around 10,000 participants, including transport operators, public authorities, industry suppliers, and decision-makers from over 100 countries. The event will be held in one of the world’s most advanced cities in terms of urban mobility, offering a unique opportunity to showcase the latest innovations in public transport.

As the host organization, MTR will collaborate with UITP, local authorities, and industry partners to organize the summit. The event is expected to focus on emerging trends in public transport, including the integration of smart technologies, the challenges of aging infrastructure, and the need for sustainable urban planning.

The decision to host the summit in Hong Kong also highlights the city’s role as a global leader in public transport innovation. With its integrated development model, which combines transport, infrastructure, and urban planning, Hong Kong is considered one of the most efficient systems globally.

The 2028 UITP Summit will be a landmark event for the Asia-Pacific region, offering a rare opportunity to bring together global experts and stakeholders in public transport. As the event approaches, the city will prepare to host what is expected to be one of the most significant gatherings in the field of urban mobility in recent years.