Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety Launched

The global plan for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety was officially launched on 28 October with a global event hosted by the WHO/UNRSC. The target of this Decade of Action is to reduce road deaths and injuries by at least 50% in the period 2021-2030 thus achieving SDG Target 3.6.  

The Plan describes what is needed to achieve that target, and calls on governments, UN agencies, civil society, and the private sector to implement an integrated safe system approach and solutions that deliver short- and long-term outcomes.  

In his address WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underlined how the Plan promotes healthier and safer mobility through an increased focus on walking, cycling. Dr Tedros invited all stakeholders to proactively play their part to implement the Global Plan.  

In addition to the UN 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the Plan of Action draws inspiration from the Stockholm Declaration. Both documents stress comprehensive road safety reform: improving the design of roads and vehicles; creating effective laws and law enforcement that will limit behavioral risks such as speeding and drunk driving; and providing effective post-crash response through coordination mechanisms, stronger professional medical care and post-crash investigation, and providing social, judicial and, where appropriate, financial support to bereaved families and survivors. 

The role that youth can play was underlined by several speakers during the event.  Speaking at the event, Deepanshu Gupta representing the Global Youth Coalition said “For the first time, the Global Plan has identified youth as a crucial stakeholder. I sincerely hope that all stakeholders associated with the cause will draw inspiration from the plan and involve youth meaningfully to save lives”.