In January 2017, UIC chose to implement the Quali’OP frame of reference designed for associations.

Today, UIC is certified “Quality of Service” by AFNOR, the French standardisation body and partner of ISO. This certification establishes 11 commitments, all summarized in the four strategic axes of UIC: represent the sector, promote its know-how, serve the Members, be efficient and transparent towards them.

These commitments now have to be fulfilled. This quality system must be acquired both by the UIC staff and by us, the Members. Certification audits will be renewed every year in the upcoming years in order to confirm this appropriation.

The next two years are essential for the success of this approach. The association and members must work together to retain the certification.

One of the new main pillars of UIC’s activities deals with Digitalisation and its challenges. Digital technology can be disruptive in all areas of the railways, interfacing with other modes. In 2017 we had the opportunity to exchange views on cloud usage and artificial intelligence for asset management as well as deal with Asset Digitalisation and Cybersecurity, a high-level priority for us, in order to take into account opportunities and threats linked to this revolution. The core work of the Digital Platform is to “share, open & connect” the rail sector to the digital eco-system, which must be further pursued in 2018.

Some of the issues where we have to progress next year and where is needed a further effort include:

• The active development of relations with UITP as both associations share the same values in promoting public transport.
• Relations with Transport Ministries all over the world.
• Promotion of sustainable projects, hopefully making UIC a platform of PPPs for railway projects, developing green rail certificates.