“In times of economic uncertainty it is all the more important to strengthen links within our network as well as exchange best practice and trans-national and cultural understanding. The UIC is aware of the increasing need to help the international railway leaders of tomorrow to become equipped for the challenging task of sustainably leading the railway industry through the early and changing global environment of the 21st century.

For this reason, TFR and IR created the International Railway Strategic Management Institute (IRSMI) under the auspices of the UIC and its flagship “Senior Management programme” (SMP). The IRSMI is an institution which is administratively and financially independent from UIC, its management is under control and healthy. The senior manager programme is meanwhile fully coherent with the UIC training programmes.

In 2009 the SMP programme was completely reviewed and a new partnership was signed with EM Lyon (French Business School) to create a four-week session in two international locations which enable participants to build transversal railway related business skills, exchange best practice, develop their leadership skills and benefit from unique networking and benchmarking opportunities. Upon completion of the programme participants will receive credits towards the Executive MBA programme of a leading French business school, thus increasing their business and leadership skills even further.

The upcoming session starts in Shanghai on 19 April and I would personally like to emphasise the importance of training and development for your high potential and senior managers. Do not let this opportunity pass by!”