UIC’s participation at COP17 has resulted in some very useful conclusions and support for the railway sector. The UIC Side Event, Chaired by Alexander Veitch, Head of Unit – Sustainable Development, attracted over 100 participants to learn more about how railways and public transport systems in general can contribute to a lower-carbon transport system. The event was organised in partnership with UNEP and the Institute of International Transport Policy (Japan). This event will influence the COP17 participants to consider railways when developing policies and funding strategies.

The second important point from the COP17 is that there are going to be new funding streams available to reduce CO2 emisisons and to adapt to the effects of climate change. There are many different sources of funding, and so the United Nations has created a Web Portal for Climate Finance to provide clear advice on how to apply for project funding. The web portal is available here at: www.unfccc.int