UIC and Moroccan National Railways (ONCF) are pleased to announce that NEXT STATION 2015, the 5th International Conference and Trade Show on Railway Stations, will take place in Marrakech on 21 and 22 October 2015 under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco.

This High Patronage is a sign of the strategic importance of this issue, not only for the Kingdom of Morocco with the development of new railway stations planned in the country in the near future or over the coming years – but also at continental and international level.

Regarding this recognition, Mr Mohamed Rabie Klie (Director-General, ONCF, Chairman of UIC African Region) said:

“It is a great honour for us that this 5th edition of the International Conference of Railway Stations shall take place under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and we are very grateful. It is a sign of the importance that the Monarch unfailingly attaches to the development of infrastructure and transport modes within our country. Rail is part of this strong dynamic and goes hand-in-hand with the policy of supporting large-scale projects that His Majesty the King has followed since he took the throne and which is helping to build the Morocco of the third millennium. For over a decade, stations have made up one of the vital components of this railway revival for Morocco, as landmarks in the heart of our towns and multi-service, multi-functional centres, even social spaces.

Furthermore, this high patronage inspires us to even greater commitment, and in particular will motivate participants from all over the world to ensure that NEXTSTATION 2015 is a huge success, to produce relevant conclusions and even to reinvent mobility for the future of railway stations.”

NEXTSTATION 2015 will be dedicated to the theme “Rethinking Stations for Future Intermobility”. This international event will provide a unique opportunity for high-level speakers, panellists, visitors and exhibitors to address all strategic issues related to the creation, development and operation of railway stations, such as project development and financing, station management, station and urban planning, the sustainable, eco-friendly railway station, facilities and design, commercial use of station space and services, multimodality and accessibility. Exhibition space is available on request.

Following its four previous editions, NEXTSTATION has become a benchmark event, a privileged venue for sharing information and experience on the development and operation of stations across the world. Developing a new generation of railway stations that meet the needs of mobility and society – whilst respecting the aims of sustainable development – is a strategic goal for all UIC member railway companies.