The 20th World Congress on Railway Safety recently concluded in Rabat, Morocco, bringing together experts, operators, institutions, and industry players for three days to discuss a major issue: the future of railway safety in the era of technological transformation. Organized jointly by the Moroccan National Railways Office (ONCF) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), the event took place from December 2 to 4, 2025, under the central theme: “Railway Safety of Tomorrow: Combining Humans and Technology.”
During the opening ceremony, UIC Director General François Davenne emphasized the pivotal role of safety in the sector’s evolution:
“Safety is not merely an operational requirement; it is a driver of transformation, investment, and trust. It strengthens rail’s capacity to remain the backbone of sustainable mobility.”
Rethinking Railway Safety: Between Human Expertise and Technological Innovation
As the global railway sector faces multifaceted threats—cyberattacks, intrusions, acts of malice, and operational risks—the need to adapt safety strategies has never been more urgent.
This edition highlighted a major development: the complementarity between human expertise and advanced technologies (AI, smart sensors, video analytics, and process digitalization).
The program focused on four strategic pillars:
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New Governance and Railway Safety Challenges: Analysis of current and emerging threats, sharing experiences on risk prevention and management.
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Innovation, Digitalization, and Artificial Intelligence in the Service of Safety: Exploration of technological tools capable of improving intervention efficiency and preventing incidents.
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International Cooperation and Partnerships: Showcasing collaborative initiatives among operators, institutions, and public authorities to harmonize practices and strengthen the resilience of the global railway network.
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High-Speed Rail Safety: Human, Technological, and Organizational Factors: Case studies, feedback, and recommendations to ensure the protection of passengers, staff, and infrastructure.
A Platform Reinforcing Morocco’s Role in Railway Excellence
By hosting this major congress, Morocco confirms its position among countries investing heavily in modernizing their railway infrastructure and enhancing their safety systems. The country also strengthens its role within the UIC international network, asserting its leadership in regional cooperation and the dissemination of best practices in security.
“Our commitment to railway safety is based on a comprehensive vision to protect people, assets, and infrastructure. It is expressed through the modernization of monitoring systems, the enhancement of human skills, and the establishment of structures dedicated to operational coordination. These efforts are part of a governance framework aligned with international standards,” said Abdessamad Kayouh, Moroccan Minister of Transport and Logistics.
An Edition Shaping the Future of Railway Safety
At the end of these three days of exchanges, one message is clear: the future of railway safety relies on the harmonious fusion of humans and technology.
Men and women in the sector remain at the core of the system, while digital and intelligent tools enhance their ability to anticipate, respond, and make decisions.
The 2025 World Congress on Railway Safety thus laid the foundations for a new era, where innovation, international cooperation, and operational modernization stand as the pillars of a safer, more reliable, and resilient railway network.
