Guterres Urges Renewed Commitment to Safe Mobility for All

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged countries to renew their commitment to making safe mobility a reality for all. In a message on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims, Guterres noted that road accidents are a global health and safety crisis that claims over 1.16 million lives annually. He emphasized that these accidents are preventable and that improving infrastructure, changing behaviors, and leveraging new technologies can help reduce suffering and save lives.

According to Guterres, road accidents are the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5-29, with over 90% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. He pointed out that the Decade of Action for Road Safety sets a clear goal of halving the number of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. Guterres also highlighted the importance of supporting victims and their families, as well as promoting a culture of safety on the roads.

The UN Secretary-General noted that while progress has been made in reducing road traffic deaths, with a 21% decline in fatalities over the past decade, more needs to be done to achieve the goal of zero deaths. He emphasized that stronger policies and better enforcement of laws are essential to preventing road accidents. Guterres also highlighted the role of the UN in supporting countries in their efforts to improve road safety.

Guterres' message on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to address the scourge of road accidents. He urged countries to work together to promote safe mobility and to support victims and their families. The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims is an opportunity to raise awareness about the impact of road accidents and to call for action to prevent them.

The Egyptian Radio and Television Union reported that Guterres' message was released on the occasion of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Accident Victims. The day is observed annually on the third Sunday of November to honor the victims of road accidents and to raise awareness about road safety. Guterres' message was carried by various news outlets, including the Egyptian Radio and Television Union.

In Egypt, efforts are being made to improve road safety and reduce the number of road accidents. The country has implemented various measures, including improving infrastructure and enforcing traffic laws. The Egyptian government has also launched public awareness campaigns to educate drivers and pedestrians about road safety.

The World Health Organization and other UN agencies have also been working to promote road safety globally. They have provided technical assistance and support to countries to help them develop and implement effective road safety strategies. The UN's efforts to promote road safety are part of its broader commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote road safety.

Key points

• Guterres urges countries to renew their commitment to making safe mobility a reality for all.
• Road accidents claim over 1.16 million lives annually, with low- and middle-income countries bearing the brunt of the crisis.
• The Decade of Action for Road Safety sets a goal of halving the number of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.