The evolution towards a new green economy requires a profound transformation of the current mobility model. The railway is destined to be the main protagonist, since it is the most sustainable, efficient and safe means of collective land transport.
In addition, according to the World Bank, and when the world population is close to 8 billion people, 56% live in the cities, and it is expected that this number will increase gradually to reach 6 billion in 2045. In the latest UN-HABITAT report, it is estimated that by 2050 it will be higher than 68%.
For this reason, public transport networks are increasingly committing to the railway as a centre of mobility. In this evolution, administrations and operators wish to rely on the advice from the best experts to implement modern, sustainable and highly efficient systems. The Spanish industry, pioneer in the search for solutions, has become with its knowledge and experience the main ally of these projects in countries of the five continents.
We are also at a crucial moment for an industry that faces great challenges and opportunities associated with key aspects such as digital transformation and sustainability. We are part of an innovative sector, with great prospects and employment generator, but which also faces other challenges, from the point of view of human capital, such as attracting, incorporating and retaining the best talent. It is necessary to have professionals who help to implement the new developments, to strengthen innovation and to move towards the digitalisation of the industry.
All these topics are analysed in issue 35 of the Mafex magazine, which also includes current news, innovative solutions and sustainability initiatives of more than 40 members and the Asociation itself.
Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to welcome the more than 60 international guests from 35 railway entities that we host, with the support of ICEX – Spain Trade and Investment in the 8th edition of the International Railway Convention that this year we celebrate in Toledo from 8th to 10th May.
Three intense days of congress agenda and bilateral meetings with with a broad representation of the Spanish railway sector. A framework to present the current and future railway investment and development plans of their respective countries and organisations, and at the same time to know first-hand the different technological solutions developed in our industry and that can best respond to their current needs.