Rail Advocacy at UIC: Background
Rail plays a critical role in achieving climate objectives in the transport sector, particularly through modal shift, energy efficiency, and electrification. However, its potential remains underrepresented in both Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and emerging carbon market mechanisms under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
In the Asia-Pacific region—characterized by rapid urbanization, growing freight demand, and increasing climate ambition—there is a significant opportunity to:
- Strengthen the integration of rail into national climate strategies
- Unlock new financing streams through carbon markets
- Develop and scale methodologies that capture avoided emissions from modal shift
UIC has been advancing advocacy and technical work in this space, including contributions to Article 6.4 methodologies and engagement with international climate processes. In this sense, this webinar will:
- Present UIC’s advocacy and technical work
- Share regional perspectives and experiences
- Engage members to better understand ongoing initiatives, needs, and barriers
Draft Agenda
09:00 Opening and Introduction (5–10 min)
Philippe Lorand, Director of Institutional Relations, Advocacy and Communications & Coordinator Asia-Pacific region, UIC
09:10 Rail in NDCs: Status and Opportunities
- Overview of transport in NDCs (global and Asia-Pacific focus)
- Role and potential of rail in achieving national climate targets
- Key gaps and opportunities for stronger integration
Joo Hyun Ha, UIC Head of Advocacy
Mr. Adwait Limaye, Data and Policy Analyst, Asian Transport Outlook
09:25 Carbon Markets and Rail: From Theory to Practice
- Carbon markets – simplified overview
- Relevance for rail (modal shift, electrification, efficiency)
- Key challenges and opportunities
Alina Neculae, UIC Senior Advisor for Advocacy
Guillaume Remy, Carbon Credits for E-Mobility at Zeroca | PPP, Infrastructure & Project Finance at Rebel
Guillaume has a background in banking and finance with experience at both large commercial banks and development finance institutions. He specialises in the structuring of financing arrangements for transport infrastructure and rolling stock, including public transportation and e-mobility assets (buses, rail and micro-mobility) as well as ports, airports, logistics and mining-related infrastructure and equipment. Guillaume works on development of and implementation of Zeroca’s carbon credit programs for electric mobility in South Africa, Nigeria, Morocco, Pakistan and various other markets.
Sunzhe CAO, Associate Research Fellow, China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS)
Zhengjun Gong, Research Team, Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU)
Our team focuses on low-carbon and environmental solutions for major transport infrastructure, including intelligent environmental risk management, pollution control, and waste resource recovery. With 15 researchers and national-level talents, we support railway decarbonization through life-cycle carbon accounting and green infrastructure technologies.
10:00 Discussion on survey results + Q&A
- Snapshot of member engagement in carbon markets
- Overview of current activities (e.g. modal shift, electrification, efficiency)
- Key barriers identified by members
- Priority areas for support and collaboration
10:15 Closing of webinar
Registration
Please note, this event is exclusive to UIC members.