One month has passed since the successful conclusion of ITA WTC2026 in Montréal, yet the energy, enthusiasm and spirit of international collaboration generated during that week remain very much alive. As highlighted throughout this newsletter, the numbers speak for themselves: attendance, technical presentations and exhibitor participation all reached outstanding levels.

On behalf of ITA, I would once again like to express my sincere gratitude to the Tunnelling Association of Canada for delivering not only a technically outstanding Congress, but also a warm and memorable experience for our global tunnelling community.
Montréal reminded us of what makes ITA truly unique. Beyond technical excellence, publications and formal decisions, our Association is built on people from different countries, cultures and professional backgrounds coming together to share technical findings, exchange experiences and debate ideas, advancing tunnelling knowledge for the benefit of society worldwide. This spirit perfectly embodies the ONE ITA vision.

Our industry continues to evolve through innovation, robotics, digitalisation, artificial intelligence and more sustainable materials and equipment. These advances will support tunnelling professionals in delivering safer, more sustainable and more cost-effective underground infrastructure, helping to provide underground solutions for a better world.

The ITA journey now continues with the ITA Tunnelling Awards 2026, taking place on 4–5 November in Lisbon and co-organised with our Portuguese Member Nation, CPT. This event will once again be an excellent opportunity to celebrate innovation, recognise outstanding achievements and further strengthen our global community.

Andrea Pigorini
ITA President (2025–2028)