Hosted by the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) from 6 to 10 April, the 2026 UIC–KORAIL International Railway Training Centre for UIC Asia (IRaTCA) training session successfully concluded in Seoul under the theme “Strategic Dialogue for the Future in Railway”. This third session marked the final phase of a three year sustainability roadmap, evolving from policy learning in 2024 and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) best practice sharing in 2025 to the joint development of regional policies in 2026.
The session brought together 16 key representatives from 10 countries, fostering strong cooperation across the Asia Pacific rail network. East Asia was strongly represented, with participation from the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), China Railway (CR), the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS), the China Railway Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd. (CRECC), and Ulaanbaatar Railways (UBTZ) of Mongolia, all contributing valuable regional perspectives. Engagement was further strengthened by participants from Vietnam Railways, Thailand’s Department of Rail Transport (DRT), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the Philippines, and Malaysia’s Railway Assets Corporation, alongside experts from the Indian Ministry of Railways, the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL), Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), and the Department of Transport Victoria of Australia.
The five day curriculum was a joint achievement of UIC and KORAIL’s IRaTCA International Cooperation Department, led by Director Ki dong Kwon, Deputy Director Hak soo Kim, and Managers Won young Park and Na won Yang. The programme successfully integrated global sustainability frameworks with regional operational priorities through a wide range of expertise:
- Technical innovation: Specialists from KORAIL and the Korea Railroad Research Institute (KRRI) delivered sessions on the Korean Emissions Trading Scheme (K ETS) and eco friendly railway technologies.
- Strategic design and moderation: Lucie Anderton, UIC Sustainability Director, provided on site technical expertise and moderation in Seoul, supported by remote strategic input and preparatory work from Christine Vanoppen, Chair of the UIC Sustainability Platform.
- Knowledge exchange: Each session concluded with interactive group discussions and national case presentations, encouraging open dialogue and shared learning among participants.
To anchor theoretical knowledge in practical application, participants took part in several technical field visits. At the Metropolitan Rolling Stock Depot, they observed advanced safety management systems, including robotic arms and automated parts retrieval processes. A visit to the KORAIL Human Resources Development Centre offered insight into Korea’s railway workforce training framework, while a tour of Seoul Station highlighted practical ESG initiatives, such as public seating made from recycled plastic materials. A Seoul city tour further enriched the programme by providing participants with a deeper appreciation of the host country’s cultural heritage.
Chin Whan Cho, Head of KORAIL’s Overseas Business Headquarters, underlined the importance of the partnership, stating:
“Railways, as one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport, play a pivotal role in global ESG strategies. Building on the outcomes of this training series, we will continue to strengthen collaboration with UIC member countries to ensure that rail contributes meaningfully to achieving carbon neutrality.”
The programme was coordinated under the leadership of Philippe Lorand, UIC Director of Institutional Relations, Advocacy and Communications and Asia Pacific Coordinator, with the support of Yuke Li, Asia Pacific Region Adviser. The completion of this strategic cycle secured strong momentum for regional cooperation and technical excellence, paving the way for future specialised programmes within the Asia Pacific training calendar.
Upcoming 2026 training opportunities
As the sustainability cycle concludes, the UIC Asia Pacific Region has confirmed its continued commitment to capacity building through the following specialised programmes:
- JR East Hospitality and Service Training: 1–5 June 202
- JR East Infrastructure Management Training: October 2026
These initiatives will continue to provide a platform for regional cooperation, further strengthening connectivity and expertise across the Asia Pacific railway network.
For further information, please contact the APRA team at aprateam at uic.org.
