The first section of the Moroccan TGV line was inaugurated on November 15, 2020 at Tangier station by King Mohammed VI and French President Emmanuel Macron.
The United Nations (UN) has chosen to honor the Moroccan TGV “Al Boraq”, a symbol of innovation and sustainability, on the occasion of World Sustainable Transport Day celebrated on November 26. This distinction is part of a special series of stamps issued by the United Nations Postal Administration (UNPA), which highlights the most emblematic high-speed trains (TGV) worldwide.
In a press release released on Tuesday, the Apnu unveiled an exclusive collection of six stamps illustrating renowned TGVs: the Shinkansen of Japan, the Amtrak Acela of the United States, the Fuxing of China, the Inoui of France, the ICE from Germany, and finally the Moroccan “Al Boraq”, operated by the National Railway Office (ONCF). These stamps, available on the Apnu official website as well as at UN headquarters in New York, Geneva and Vienna, recall the importance of modern and environmentally friendly transport solutions.
Ap’u highlighted the central role of sustainable transport in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By improving accessibility, strengthening trade and supporting sustainable economic growth, modern transport systems directly contribute to improving the quality of life of populations and promoting international cooperation.
The Moroccan TGV “Al Boraq”, the first of its kind on the African continent, is a symbol of Morocco’s modernity and ambition in terms of infrastructure. Since its commissioning in 2018, this train connects Tangier to Casablanca in record time, offering its users a fast, safe and ecological experience. By appearing among the six models selected by the UN, “Al Boraq” confirms its position as a vector of progress and sustainable development.
This choice also highlights Morocco’s efforts to align its national initiatives with global sustainability priorities. Thanks to large-scale projects in the fields of transport and renewable energies, the Kingdom is establishing itself as a key player in the energy transition and infrastructural innovation in Africa and beyond.
The other trains highlighted in this collection also demonstrate technological advances and international efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in the transport sector. The Japanese Shinkansen, a pioneer of TGVs since the 1960s, continues to fascinate with its legendary speed and punctuality. The Amtrak Acela, meanwhile, represents the rise of high-speed transportation in the United States, while the Fuxing illustrates China’s impressive railway development. In Europe, Inoui and ICE embody French and German excellence in this field.
By issuing this series of stamps, the UN is not just celebrating technological feats. It sends a strong message about the importance of prioritizing sustainable, safe and accessible mobility solutions to meet the challenges of climate change and support inclusive global development.
This initiative also constitutes an opportunity for philately enthusiasts and defenders of sustainable development to symbolically associate themselves with a universal cause. Stamps, both communication tools and collectibles, thus become ambassadors of a future where sustainability is not an option, but a necessity.
MK/SF/ac/APA
