New Delhi: The 18th UIC World Security Congress commenced in Jaipur, India, on Tuesday.

The 3-day Conference is being jointly organized by the International Union of Railways (UIC), Paris and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).

The proceedings started with the welcome address by Sanjay Chander, Director General, Railway Protection Force, India who is also the Chairman, Security Platform of the UIC. During the welcome address, he mentioned about the importance of the Congress and the relevance of theme - “Railway Security Strategy: Responses and Vision for Future”.

The World Security Congress is a globally recognized security platform that brings together representatives from member Railway Organizations, delegates of UIC, policy makers, senior law-enforcement officials from State Polices and Railway Protection Force to discuss the current security challenges and deliberate on innovative solutions in the Railway Sector.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways, in his video message to the attendees, welcomed them to the land of world’s largest democracy and one of the largest railway networks in the world.

He said the event is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase how we can work together to create a safer and more secure Railway sector for the future.

A. K. Lahoti, CEO and Chairman, Railway Board, in his virtual address, said that security of freight, passengers and assets of Indian Railways has been done exceptionally by the Railway Protection Force which has a legacy as old as the Indian Railways.

He highlighted how the UIC's World Security Congress provides an invaluable platform for exchanging ideas and best practices, and for forging new partnerships.

Francois Davenne, Director General of the UIC, emphasized that ensuring the security of freight, passengers and railways assets requires innovative approaches which can foresee the future challenges and accordingly develop a robust security infrastructure.

Xavier Roche, Director of Security, French Railways (SNCF) who is also the Vice Chairman of the Security Platform, UIC stated he is looking forward to a conference filled with constructive discussions, exchange of ideas and best practices in the field of railway security.

The keynote speech of the day was delivered by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kailash Sathyarthi who called upon the delegates to develop child-friendly policies and urged industry members to be more responsible and open to innovative partnerships.

He stressed that in the fight against the heinous crime of child trafficking, intergovernmental agencies must work together in an accelerated manner rising above a business-as-usual agenda.

On the occasion, a Special UIC edition of the RPF Journal was released. The special edition of the RPF Journal contains articles from leading professionals from Indian and International police and security organizations, senior officials with decades of experience in civil administration and industry experts.

The event will continue over the next two days with more simulating presentations and networking opportunities.