Following an announcement made at the 38th Asia-Pacific Regional Assembly (APRA) in May 2025, the UIC Asia-Pacific region has launched the UIC Asia-Pacific Web Series 2025 – a recurring online initiative aimed at deepening members’ understanding of UIC operations and fostering regional dialogue. The series covers topics such as advocacy, passenger services, UIC tools, sustainability and freight.
The third session, on UIC Advocacy, was held on 11 September 2025 and brought together members and partners to explore how rail can play a stronger role in climate policy and financing. While the meeting provided a platform for exchange, the real focus was on the urgent need to elevate rail in global sustainability discussions.
A central theme was the role of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate finance in accelerating modal shift to rail. As countries work towards their climate commitments, rail remains underrepresented in national strategies, despite its proven contribution to emissions reduction and sustainable mobility.
UIC’s newly established Advocacy Unit is spearheading efforts to address this gap. By generating knowledge, building partnerships and amplifying member experiences, the team is working to secure enabling policies and financing mechanisms that will help rail reach its full potential in climate action.
Strategic partners also provided key insights:
- Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) shared how climate resilience and mitigation are integrated into its railway investment frameworks.
- Asian Transport Observatory (ATO) presented analysis on policy momentum for rail and highlighted opportunities to embed existing national policies into NDCs, alongside low-cost interventions to accelerate modal shift.
A recurring message across these contributions was the need for stronger collaboration – both within the railway sector and with international partners – to ensure that rail is firmly embedded in climate strategies and financing mechanisms.
Looking ahead, UIC members are preparing a joint position paper with UITP on the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism, aiming to secure rail’s recognition in global climate policy.
By aligning advocacy, finance and partnerships, the Asia-Pacific region is taking concrete steps to ensure that rail is not just part of the climate conversation, but a driving force in sustainable transport solutions.
Upcoming APRA Web Series 2025 sessions:
- 18 September 2025: UIC presentation and its tools
- 10 October 2025: UIC Sustainability Unit
- Additional dates and topics will be announced to APRA members in due course.
For more detailed information, please visit: https://uic.org/events/uic-asia-pacific-web-meeting-series-2025
