Reflections on the TESi Conference #4 We don’t have to think alike to act together

What did we take away from the TESi conference? / Four stories to spark discussion at CEPLAS

WE DON’T HAVE TO THINK ALIKE TO ACT TOGETHER

STORY 4/4

As we bring this series of stories to a close, one of the most valuable impressions from the TESi Conference remains the importance of open dialogue, including conversations in which we did not agree.

One of the most valuable takeaways from the TESi Conference was the opportunity to engage in open discussions with colleagues, including those in which we did not share the same views.

Differences in professional perspectives are not an obstacle to collective action; they are an asset, provided that we are willing to listen to one another’s arguments.

This is one of the fundamental values of a university, but it should also be a defining characteristic of our professional community.

We do not all have to share the same views on the role of the Urban Mobility Plan (POUM) and transport studies, the scope of the analyses required, the role of transport models, or the possibilities for cooperation with institutions. What matters is that we discuss these issues, critically examine our own positions based on sound arguments, and remain willing to change them when there are good reasons to do so.

Shared professional positions should not be a prerequisite for bringing us together, but rather the outcome of open and responsible dialogue.

That is precisely why we see CEPLAS as an opportunity to create a space that brings together colleagues from universities, planning and consulting organisations, the public sector, and local governments.

We do not envision the Association as a place that has all the answers in advance, nor as an organisation that should speak on behalf of all transport engineers. We see it as a platform that can initiate dialogue, bring together diverse experiences, encourage the development of shared professional positions, and offer institutions concrete proposals and opportunities for cooperation.

The discussions during the TESi Conference reinforced our belief that there is a genuine need for this kind of professional networking and collaboration.

In the coming period, through CEPLAS and with the participation of as many interested colleagues as possible, we would like to initiate a discussion on the key priorities facing our profession. Such efforts could also lead to more concrete professional initiatives addressed to the relevant institutions, as well as new forms of support for local governments.

We do not expect to agree on everything straight away, nor do we believe that a single association can independently solve problems that have accumulated over many years. However, we believe we can offer what is needed: continuity of professional dialogue, a willingness to cooperate, and the ability to turn our knowledge into concrete proposals.

We have every right to expect institutions to create opportunities for the timely and equal participation of transport professionals in decision-making processes. At the same time, it is up to us to demonstrate that we are ready to organise ourselves, strengthen our professional competencies, and take on part of the responsibility for the changes we advocate.

We are not seeking a stronger role for the transport engineering profession solely to improve its professional standing. We want its expertise to be put to better use in decisions that affect road safety, mobility, urban development, and citizens’ quality of life.

If one of the key messages of the TESi Conference was that we need more collective action, then the first step could be quite simple: to keep talking, listening to one another, and coming together around the issues that matter to our profession and society.

Before our profession can speak with a united voice to institutions, it must first be willing to listen to the different voices within its own community.