As the global rail community once again starts to look forward, there has never been a better time to send a strong message of sustainability ambition to its global supply chain. Collaborating with suppliers is essential in building resilience in the rail sector and accelerating action to transform rail for a sustainable, decarbonised future. Sustainable procurement is becoming increasingly important to railway purchasing departments and UIC members, and is an essential part of the sector’s strategic direction. The railways are in a position to exert a strong influence on global supply chains and – particularly with regard to sustainability – can send out strong signals to their suppliers and underline the importance of the topic in rail infrastructure procurement.

The UIC European Railways Purchasing Conference (https://uic.org/special-groups/erpc/) special group is relaunching the sustainable procurement working group. The group’s first meeting, to be held on 6 May from 2 to 4 pm CEST, will share members’ insights on best practice in social and environmental sustainability and set the priorities for the year ahead. All sustainability, commercial and procurement professionals interested in collaborating and working with international colleagues to drive sustainability performance with supplier and purchasing power are very welcome to attend.