Tripartite constituents from around the world met in Geneva and online from 1-5 September 2025 for the ILO's first global technical meeting on the railways sector in over 30 years. They agreed that investing in rail has strong potential to generate decent green jobs and advance a just transition. Shifting to this lower-carbon mode can also drive a socially sustainable future. But the sector will need major investment in workforce training, reskilling, and in attracting and retaining staff.
The Conclusions and recommendations adopted by the meeting also reflect the railways sector's commitment to promoting the ILO's fundamental principles and rights at work for all. Among others, the sector is committed to give particular attention to diversity and inclusion and the consequences of innovation through social dialogue and investment in human capital - including protecting the labour and well-being of workers.
Sonya Mohamed Janahi, Chairperson of the meeting, said "This meeting was a great success - we evenly reached consensus in preparing and finalizing a truly meaningful set of Conclusions and recommendations to achieve decent work in the railways sector that has been accepted by all, and welcomed by all, and that is a rare opportunity. This sets the stage for concrete action and is hopefully the beginning of many more discussions to come."
Frank Hagemann, Director of the ILO's Sectoral Policies Department and Secretary-General of the meeting added, "The railways sector is highly strategic for the economic development of many countries and is vital for the transport of passengers and delivery of goods. This meeting provided a platform to look at the sector through the lens of social justice and the ILO's Decent Work Agenda, based on social dialogue. The resulting Conclusions and recommendations, when implemented, will improve outcomes for railway workers and public and private employers alike."
ILO constituents underlined the link between operational safety and occupational safety and health. They noted that stronger regulations can both support business growth and create an enabling environment for sustainable public and private enterprises, preparing the sector for environmental and technological transitions. Participants highlighted the need to reinforce labour administration and inspection systems, and to promote safe and healthy working environments, including a strong safety culture.
The railways sector is vital for moving people and goods, supporting trade and tourism, and driving sustainable growth. It is a major employer in many countries and among the most energy-efficient transport modes. In some contexts, rail is also central to sustainable supply chains, energy transition policies, and mobility.
