26 May 2010: The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Union of Railways (UIC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24 May 2010, in Prague, Czech Republic. The MoU aims to further strengthen the cooperation between UNECE and UIC in the pursuit of the integration and development of the European transport of goods and passengers by railways, with a view to developing sustainable transport and promoting environment and health friendly transport systems to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The MoU will include exchange of information and expertise, cross-participation at events sponsored and organized by UNECE and UIC on international legislation, technical interoperability (harmonization, standardization), transboundary management, management of priority corridors, accessibility, international security and rail safety. UNECE and UIC will also strengthen their cooperation for the development of relations with the private sector and international financial institutions. [UNECE press release]