This 5th edition is a follow-up to the seminars held in Rabat in 2005 and 2007, in Marrakech in 2009 and in Ifrane in 2011. It is organised jointly by ONCF in its own managerial role and on behalf of the UIC African Region, and by UIC as part of its worldwide activities.
The general theme in these seminars is always centred on both safety and security with regard to railway operations. Previous editions have thus specifically dealt with: human and organisational factors in safety management in 2007, safety requirements of high speed transport in 2009, and security of high-speed systems in 2011.
This year’s event, as it looks to the future, gives an important place to a variety of technical and technological research topics in the areas of infrastructure, rolling stock, signalling, and rail operations. The seminar covers both managerial development and safety and security culture by taking into account the civil defence and emergency services provided by our companies, both in fulfilling their own transport-related duties, and in collaborating with relevant bodies and authorities.
This event will be hosted by distinguished experts with the help of academics and managers from various rail networks. This array of panellists will be sure to combine technical or technological matters with the sharing of experience between different countries or businesses. The ultimate aim is to promote and share the best solutions to fundamental security and safety issues, without which railways would be incapable of playing their role as a service for passengers and for national development.
A technological exhibition will be held at the same time as the seminar in order to give partner companies the floor and allow them to showcase their products and ongoing projects.
The seminar is a continuation of important meetings already held in Morocco in the same spirit of cooperation, notably the UIC World Congress on Railway Security held in Marrakech in April 2009 and the 3rd Global Rail Freight Forum held in Tangier in October 2012.
It also ties in with the forthcoming entry into service of the next rail line, planned for 2015, which will be the first high speed line in Africa.
The high patronage of His Majesty the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, underlines the national and international significance of this event.
