Brasilia, March 14, 2024 — Led by Joo Hyun Ha, Senior Advisor for Sustainability Strategy and International Partnerships, UIC had a packed schedule in Brasilia on Wednesday, 13 March 2024. She was involved in high-level discussions aimed at emphasising the railways’ critical role in mitigating climate change and advocating for sustainable transport solutions, as Brazil prepares to host COP30 in November 2025.
As part of this programme, Ha participated in the rail meeting of the National Federation of Transport (CNT), where she highlighted UIC’s commitment to promoting sustainability within the railway sector. The event was attended by representatives of professional organisations and rail freight companies, as well as distinguished persons including Joubert Flores, President of the National Association of Passenger Rail Operators (ANP Trilhos) and Vice Chair of the UIC Latin America Region. The Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) also gave a presentation on its plan to boost the rail sector in Brazil, and its potential role as a solution for climate change.
During the meeting, Ha underpinned the importance of connecting with local stakeholders in the lead-up to COP30 and highlighted the progress made within the rail sector. With Brazil set to host the climate conference in 2025, there is a growing interest in ensuring that sustainable transport remains a important item on the agenda.
While in discussions with Leonardo Ribeiro, the National Secretary for Rail Transport, the UIC representatives explored opportunities for collaboration, emphasising the technical expertise and solutions that UIC can offer to support Brazil’s sustainability efforts by improving the railway sector. Furthermore, Ha then discussed the #FossilFreeTransport call to action led by SLOCAT with Adalberto Maluf, the National Secretary for the Urban Environment and Environmental Quality. UIC is a co-creator of this project, building on public transport and active mobility initiatives from the Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH) Coalition, and work on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and UIC (see organisation links for more information on these initiatives).
UIC’s visit to Brasilia serves as a precursor to COP30, and underscores the importance of mobilising local stakeholders to prioritise sustainable transport solutions. By leveraging the expertise and resources of organisations such as UIC, Brazil will be able to showcase its commitment to sustainability on the global stage and contribute to meaningful climate action during COP30.
