Moroccan Railways (ONCF) successfully organised the “Assises de la mobilité durable” – under The Patronage of His Majesty king Mohammed VI on 3 November 2016 in Casablanca, Morocco
The first conference on sustainable mobility – “Assises de la mobilité durable” – organised by Moroccan Railways (ONCF), was successfully held in Casablanca, Morocco, on 3 November 2016. The main theme was “Climate challenges: what transport systems for tomorrow?” The goal of the conference was to bring policy makers, media and international experts to share best practices and solutions to meet the growing demand for mobility.
The conference, which gave participants the opportunity to discuss in-depth issues of sustainable mobility, its challenges and to focus the necessary attention on the required efforts for adapted and resilient transport, was opened by national political figures including Mr. Boussaid, Minister of Finance and temporary Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Logistics.
H.E. Dr. Hakima El Haite, Delegate Minister in Charge of Environment, Morocco and COP22 Host, also took part in the introduction and stressed that COP22 will be “a COP for action”. The conference’s goal was to develop a “manifesto” to be submitted to the COP22 negotiators to facilitate the eligibility of low carbon mobility projects planned in the context of the Climate Fund in 2020.
Mr. Mohamed Khlie, President of the UIC African Region and CEO of Moroccan Railways (ONCF) took the floor and announced the completion of a contract that will enable ONCF trains to be powered up to 50% by wind power starting in 2017.
Various panels presented sustainable mobility and its challenges: its evolution, how to reconcile mobility, environment and fight against climate change. The technological evolutions serving sustainable mobility and financing for low carbon mobility were also part of the discussions.
Mr. Willy Bontinck from SNCB and Chair of UIC Environment Energy and Sustainability (EES) Platform participated with Mr. Gabriel Castañares Hernández, Senior Advisor for energy and CO2 emissions from UIC, in the panel on sustainable mobility presenting their vision and UIC actions for a more sustainable future.
Digitalisation and innovation were crucial aspects pointed out by speakers to transform and adapt transport for the future generations. Challenges around investment, accessibility, especially in developing countries like the African continent were also addressed.
Mr. Said Chandid, Director for Strategy and Communications at ONCF, presented the declaration on Sustainable Mobility – finalised during the event – that will be handed over to the COP22 negotiators. Its title: “Making Sustainable Mobility a new field for climate finance”. Mr. Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, Director General of UIC, Mr. Brice Lalonde, President of Business & Climate summit and former French Minister, Mrs Mfoumou Ondo, Minister of Transport and Logistics in Gabon and Mr. Mohamed Khlie concluded the event. Mr. Loubinoux and Mr. Khlie strongly emphasised that railways are committed to a more sustainable future and have not waited for COP to take action. “Rail is part of the modal complementarity and is a solution and a virtuous investment” added Mr. Loubinoux.
