The UIC and the Moroccan National Railway Office (ONCF) jointly organised the 20th edition of the World Security Congress, which was held in Rabat from 2 to 4 December 2025.
This international event, under the distinguished patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, brought together more than 200 participants from 30 countries, including representatives of railway operators, infrastructure managers, technology providers and public institutions. The main theme of the Congress was:
“Tomorrow’s railway security: Combining people and technology”
The Congress acted as an international platform for reflection and the exchange of ideas, promoting knowledge sharing, the presentation of innovative solutions and debate on railway security strategies combining human expertise and advanced technologies, such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence and integrated surveillance systems.
An exhibition zone also allowed sector stakeholders to present their latest innovations and solutions, providing a concrete overview of development prospects and practical applications for rail security.
Mr Abdessamad Kayouh, Morocco’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, declared: “Our commitment to railway security is based on a global vision of security and protection of people, goods and infrastructure. It is reflected in the modernisation of our surveillance and control systems, the strengthening of human capital through training and skills development, as well as the establishment of special structures dedicated to security and operational coordination. These measures form part of a clear and efficient governance framework, in line with international standards, to ensure a reliable, resilient and accessible railway transport system for everyone.”
Dr Alan Beroud, UIC Chair, declared: “Security has always been a cornerstone of railway operations, but today it is of even greater importance. In a world faced with growing tension and the threat of terrorism, sabotage and sophisticated cyber-attacks, our duty to protect people, infrastructure and data has never been so crucial. Rail is not only the backbone of mobility; it is also a symbol of stability and cooperation.”
François Davenne, UIC Director General of UIC, highlighted: “Security is not simply an operational requirement: it is a powerful engine of change, investment and confidence. By strengthening security, we are strengthening rail’s capacity to remain the backbone of sustainable mobility.”
Xavier Roche (SNCF), Chair of the UIC Security Platform, added: “International innovation and cooperation are essential to anticipate threats and guarantee the safety of passengers and infrastructure.”
Mohamed Rabie Khlie, CEO of ONCF, emphasised the strategic aspect of security, declaring: “Today, security has moved beyond the limited scope of operations, establishing itself as a significant strategic lever to help the development of rail. It plays an active role in enhancing passenger confidence, promoting innovation and consolidating the resilience of our infrastructure. Guaranteeing security means anticipating risks, protecting people and goods, and supporting the sustainable transformation of railway transport in Morocco and across the entire African continent.”
Key institutional partners, such as DGSN (General Directorate for National Security), ANP (National Ports Agency) and ONDA (Moroccan Airports Authority), also expressed their support for strengthening railway security as part of intermodal development, asserting that “cooperation between port, airport, rail and security authorities is vital for the protection of all users and facilities”.
