In the heart of Peru, a powerful wave of youth-led action is taking shape — and Valeria Carrión Moreno is right at its centre.

As a member of the Youth Leadership Board of the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety, Valeria has spent the last two months sparking national conversations, building trust with public institutions, and making sure youth voices are not only heard, but respected.

Here’s how it all unfolded.

1. Women at the Wheel of Change (7 March)

It began at the Women at the Wheel of Change forum, hosted by the FIA Automobile Club in Peru. Valeria joined Inés Yabar, member of the Board of Directors at YOURS, to introduce YOURS and the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety to a national audience.

The event gathered voices from across government, the private sector, civil society, and academia — creating the perfect platform to highlight female youth leadership. Valeria and Inés used the space not only to present the Coalition’s vision, but also to build connections with public entities interested in supporting youth-led mobility projects in the country.

2. First Meeting of Young People for Road Safety (14 March)

Fresh from the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, Valeria kept the momentum going. Together with other Coalition members, she co-organised the First Meeting of Young People for Road Safety in Peru, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Communications.

Valeria led the call to action that brought together young leaders from universities and road safety organisations across the country. It was a milestone moment — not only for youth visibility, but for establishing direct dialogue with national decision-makers.

During the meeting, the Ministry presented current national road safety projects and listened to the perspectives of young people. For the first time, a structured space emerged where youth could share their insights on local realities, existing policies, and what still needs to change.

3. Second Meeting of Young People for Road Safety (11 April)

The movement didn’t stop there. Just a few weeks later, Valeria returned for the Second Meeting of Young People for Road Safety, once again co-led by the Coalition and supported by the Ministry.

Alongside Inés Yabar — this time representing the YOURS Supervisory Board — Valeria presented the Global Youth Statement for Road Safety, connecting global youth demands with the Peruvian context.

Other members of the Coalition shared their grassroots work:

Nayda Chávez, from MOVISS, presented Jóvenes con Calle ("Streetwise Youth")
Jeffrey Leandro, from Red por la Convivencia Vial, introduced Pedalea Seguro

The meeting concluded with a high-level reflection panel where public authorities, the private sector and civil society joined the conversation — acknowledging that youth-led action is not a side note, but a central pillar in building safer and more inclusive mobility systems.

A moment that matters

Through these three events, Valeria Carrión has helped shape what meaningful youth participation looks like at the national level. She’s not just opening doors — she’s walking through them with others and making sure they stay open for the next generation of changemakers.

Her leadership shows what’s possible when institutions listen, collaborate and invest in youth as partners — not just beneficiaries.

#ClaimingOurSpace in Peru: Valeria Carrión Moreno leads a national youth movement for safer roads

1. Women at the Wheel of Change (7 March)

2. First Meeting of Young People for Road Safety (14 March)

3. Second Meeting of Young People for Road Safety (11 April)

A moment that matters