On 5 June, the International Union of Railways (UIC) marked UN World Environment Day by hosting a high-level global webinar dedicated to the critical role of railways in a sustainable future. The session brought together industry leaders from across the globe to discuss the intersection of climate finance, ESG strategies and the urgent need for infrastructure adaptation.
Opening the webinar, François Davenne, Director General of UIC, emphasised the responsibility of the transport sector in the global fight against climate change. Highlighting the significance of 5 June, Davenne noted that as the world seeks to protect vital ecosystems, the railway sector is uniquely positioned to drive this mission forward. Across all continents, railways are recognised as one of the greenest transport solutions, producing far lower emissions than road transport, Davenne stated. He insisted that investing in modern, electrified rail systems is a strategic necessity to reduce congestion and pollution in rapidly growing regions, and that rail must be positioned as the primary driver of a low-carbon future. He underscored UIC’s commitment to this transition, noting that UIC supports the railway sector in strengthening resilience to climate change by developing global standards, sharing best practices and advocating for rail to receive the carbon credit revenues it deserves.
A major highlight of the event was the address delivered on behalf of Mohamed Rabie Khlie, CEO of ONCF, which positioned Morocco at the forefront of the sustainable transition. The speech underscored ONCF’s role as a leader in the deployment of Green Bonds, demonstrating how innovative financial instruments can be used to fund large-scale, low-carbon infrastructure. By aligning its ESG strategy with global environmental and social objectives, ONCF is not only enhancing its own resilience to climate risks but also serving as a benchmark for African railways.
The webinar featured detailed case studies illustrating how ESG integration drives value across different regions. ADY of Azerbaijan and RENFE of Spain showcased how integrated sustainability management serves as a catalyst for long-term operational excellence, while ONCF provided a blueprint for how a strong ESG strategy is essential to ensure that infrastructure investments are aligned with the global energy transition.
The discussion then pivoted to the physical realities of a changing climate. Representatives from KRC of Kenya and EFE of Chile provided sobering insights into the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Through their case studies, these operators illustrated the direct impacts of climate volatility on rail networks and highlighted the vital work currently underway in infrastructure reinforcement and advanced operational controls. The consensus was clear: to protect the future of global mobility, significant and targeted investment in rail adaptation is essential.
The momentum generated during the World Environment Day webinar will culminate in a landmark event this autumn. UIC, in partnership with ONCF, is proud to announce the upcoming high-level meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on 14 and 15 October 2026. Building on the themes of resilience and finance, the Rabat event will move from dialogue to action, featuring a series of strategic roundtables designed to bridge the gap between climate necessity and financial feasibility. These sessions will focus on mobilising capital for rail and innovative financing mechanisms, urban rail and mobility financing, regional integration and freight corridors, and project preparation and bankability. The event will achieve an historic milestone with the signing of the Rabat Declaration and the official launch of a coalition for carbon credits for rail and public transport, marking a new era of unified action for the global railway community.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this global movement – register here.
