On 12 February 2026, François Davenne and Stephen Cotton, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), met to further strengthen cooperation between ITF and UIC.

Since signing the Memorandum of Understanding in 2007, both organisations have continued to work together by participating in key events such as the 46th ITF Congress in Marrakech in 2024 and ITF meetings in Geneva in 2023.

The discussion focused on reinforcing joint advocacy efforts and enhancing collaboration on gender equality in the rail sector. ITF will join UIC’s gender activities at both global and regional levels, including initiatives such as Women in Rail in Africa.

Both organisations expressed a shared commitment to improving their cooperation at regional level, starting with Africa and Asia-Pacific. Particular attention was given to safety and security, as well as ensuring decent work for women in the rail sector. As rail is a sector capable of providing high-quality, skilled, and long-term employment, increasing women’s participation is not only a matter of equality, but also a strategic response to labour shortages faced by the sector in many regions.

UIC looks forward to having this strengthened partnership with ITF in a spirit of constructive discussion and shared drive for a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable rail sector.