There’s a lot to celebrate this year. 2021 marks the EU Year of Rail and the centenary of one of Rail Freight Forward’s founding members, UIC – the International Union of Railways.
As the world railway association, UIC has been publishing the technical standards that have been the framework of our modern railways since 1921. In addition, UIC has 118 working groups that collaborate on a daily basis to develop technical solutions that meet the operational and commercial needs of end users and the other railway stakeholders.
With its dedicated Freight Forum work programme, Rail Freight Forward member UIC is a driving force behind the modal shift to rail – ensuring that rail becomes the backbone for future mobility for the benefit of our society.
Online and on track: UIC Rail Noise Days Webinar
“The European railways are well positioned to achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals. The sector remains committed to doing business in a responsible way, providing environmentally friendly transport as well as offering a safe working environment. The new Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy in Europe will accelerate the railways’ commitment to the modal shift”, says François Davenne, Director General of UIC.
This is the European Year of Rail – let’s seize the opportunity to make rail progress towards our common goal. We may not be able to meet in person yet, but that’s not stopping us. The RFF members are online and on track to increasing rail transport’s modal share and reaching our climate targets.
The UIC Rail Noise Days was the first UIC-led event celebrating the European Year of Rail. In this important year for rail, UIC is putting the spotlight on the many benefits of rail transport and work with partners and members to find the innovations we need to boost the industry and support the modal shift. The Rail Noise Days focused on the challenges and solutions for reducing noise pollution levels. We’re committed to making rail transport quieter, and with it to being a good neighbour in our society.
The sustainable cornerstone of our transport systems
Sustainability is central to UIC’s vision and mission for rail. As part of the RFF coalition, UIC plays an important advocacy role, highlighting the potential of rail as the clean, environmentally friendly, sustainable cornerstone of green transport systems.
We are on track to reach our common goal, as François Davenne concludes:
“There is only one destination – a fully sustainable rail system for the sustainable development of our planet.”
