CILT launches global day of celebration

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is holding an annual, global day to recognise the vital contributions of the supply chain, logistics and transport industry in keeping the world connected.

The International Day of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation will take place on Sunday (November 3) and marks 105 years to the day since the establishment of CILT.

This year’s inaugural event, entitled ‘The World In Motion’ will comprise of events, launch initiatives and activity by CILT and other member organisations across the world. 

This inaugural celebration will run under the theme 'One Network, One Global Community - Celebrating the Impact of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation - reflecting the interconnected nature of the industry and its vital role in connecting people, businesses and communities across the world.

According to the United Nations, there are more than 450 million of supply chain, logistics and transportation professionals employed around the globe, nearly 13% of the world’s total working population. 

The International Day of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation will celebrate the impact of this community - ensuring that commerce and retail functions smoothly, and that individuals are able to travel for work, education and leisure. 

As part of these celebrations, CILT will be launching an important new initiative – the International Education Standards Committee (IESC).

The IESC has been established to maintain and develop CILT’s professional status and qualifications across the Institute.

CILT was formed on November 3, 1919, at the Savoy Hotel in London. A group of senior transport professionals, after witnessing the failures of moving goods and vehicles in the First World War, were determined to change the world of logistics and transport. 

To do so, they created a professional body that would promote, encourage and co-ordinate the study of the science and art of logistics and transport in all aspects.

The Institute was awarded a Royal Charter in 1926 and more than a century after its creation, now has over 30,000 members in over 40 countries around the globe. 

The International Day of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation has been created to honour and recognise this heritage while also celebrating the impact of the modern logistics and transport industry, driven by millions of forward-thinking, innovative professionals across the globe.    

Chief Teete Owusu-Nortey, international president of the CILT, said: “CILT’s work in logistics, transport and supply chain has kept industries all over the world moving and communities thriving for over a century. 

“It’s amazing to be part of something that plays such a crucial role in the global economy, and we are excited to celebrate this on our first International Day of Supply Chain, Logistics and Transportation.”