Since the first World Road Congress held in Paris in 1908, PIARC organises a World Road Congress every four years in a member country with the aim of sharing techniques and experiences worldwide in the field of road infrastructure and road transport

The World Road Association (PIARC) was established in 1909 as a non-profit organisation.

In line with our vision to be the world leader in the exchange of knowledge on roads and road transport policy and practices within the context of integrated, sustainable transport, our four key missions are:

• Be a leading international forum for analysis and discussion of the full spectrum of transport issues related to roads and related transport
• Identify, develop, and disseminate best practice and give better access to international information
• Consider fully within our activities the needs of developing countries and countries in transition
• Design, produce, and promote efficient tools for decision making on matters related to roads and related transport

Thanks to the expertise of our members, who mobilise 1,200 experts in 18 Technical Committees and 4 Task Forces through operations guided by a 4-year Strategic Plan, the Association is widely recognised for the quality of its outputs: technical reports, online manuals and international seminars.

As of December 2017, the Association counts 121 national member governments from all over the world, including two-thirds from low and middle-income countries, and more than 2,000 members from industry, administration or academia as well as individuals.