The UIC Sustainability Action Week 2025, held from March 10-13, brought together over 400 participants from 47 member organizations, both in person and online, to explore the railway sector’s role in shaping a greener, more sustainable future. Hosted at the UIC Headquarters in Paris, this event was a powerful reminder of rail’s potential to drive forward global sustainability goals.
Under the theme “Driving a Sustainable Future with Rail,” the event expanded beyond the usual technical seminars to include strategic plenary sessions that addressed overarching sustainability challenges. Senior leaders in sustainability from across the rail industry, along with experts from outside the sector, engaged in lively discussions on how rail can accelerate the energy transition, foster inclusive mobility, and play a key role in decarbonizing global transport networks. Notably, discussions highlighted the need to boost female participation in the workforce to enhance innovation and improve customer service.
The event kicked off with an inspiring speech by Lia Talarico, Chair of the UIC Sustainability Platform, who encouraged participants to exchange ideas, share challenges and successes, and seek out new knowledge. The first plenary panel brought together voices from organizations such as the ADB, IEA, UITP, and UN ESCAP, who all agreed that rail must be central to a sustainable transport future. Their discussions emphasized the importance of rail for accelerating decarbonization, promoting energy-efficient mobility, and ensuring access to jobs and education.
One of the major highlights of the event was the showcasing of 16 poster presentations from members, partners, UIC’s sustainability and passenger teams. These covered a wide range of topics, including the EcoPassenger API, the Rail Sustainability Index, energy management solutions, and projects aimed at promoting green stations, sustainable rural and tourism connections, and zero-waste initiatives. Sponsors Elpa, S&V, Atkins Realis, Renfe, NEEL and Muller BBM also contributed to discussions, sharing innovative solutions on critical issues such as animal collisions, noise management, and ecosystem services.
Another focal point was the challenge of integrating sustainability into business strategies. Ethem Pekin from CER highlighted the impressive statistics that 81.6% of European rail traffic runs on electricity, with 52% sourced from renewables. He emphasized that stricter sustainability regulations are essential to encourage modal shift, attract talent, and secure funding for the sector. Renfe’s sustainability master plan was another key feature, with Adrian Fernandez detailing the company’s 211-action strategy that aligns with EU directives and integrates sustainability as a competitive advantage.
Trenitalia’s customer engagement strategies were spotlighted during a breakfast session on day two, led by Lia Talarico. The panel discussed ways to engage passengers and stakeholders in the climate challenge, recognizing that 90% of transport still relies on cars. The session underscored the importance of educating consumers—especially through schools, youth outreach, and the supply chain—to create lasting behavioral changes.
A key theme throughout the week was the importance of transparency in sustainability reporting. With regulations rapidly evolving, UIC organized interactive workshops to gather feedback on how the rail industry can improve its sustainability reporting frameworks. The discussions revealed that clear and consistent reporting will be essential for demonstrating rail’s contributions to sustainable development and attracting investors and customers.
Beyond these discussions, the week included a series of technical seminars that addressed practical, real-world solutions for rail sustainability. Topics ranged from noise and vibration reduction to energy efficiency, sustainable tourism, and circular economy practices. Workshops covered areas like air quality management, gender-responsive design, and the integration of biodiversity into infrastructure planning. The circular economy session focused on how railways can innovate procurement practices to support a more sustainable and circular supply chain.
Key outcomes from the week included a shared understanding that rail must continue to highlight its crucial role in global sustainability, particularly by promoting energy efficiency, reducing emissions, and fostering economic and social benefits. The event also stressed the need for international collaboration, breaking down silos to accelerate action on sustainability challenges.
As the week concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to advancing sustainability initiatives across the rail sector. The discussions and partnerships formed at UIC Sustainability Action Week 2025 will undoubtedly drive the railway industry forward, ensuring that rail remains a cornerstone of the global transition to a more sustainable and interconnected transport system. UIC confirmed after the event they plan to run it all again in 2027, with a date to be confirmed.
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