The New Decade of Action and Youth: What the New Resolution Means for Young People?
In a conversation with the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety, Global Youth Coalition Youth Advisory Board Member Ritu Jain talks about what the new Decade of Action for Road Safety means for youth leaders worldwide.
Ritu begins by saying that, as a group, young people are the ones who will experience the long-term impact of road safety policies whether they are good or bad. The resolution for the new Decade of Action urges member states to engage youth and youth organizations in efforts toward safer roads and more sustainable mobility.
“The resolution references the connection between road safety and social and economic development. Jobs and education are a particular concern for young people, especially during the rising unemployment, as a result of the pandemic.”
Photo from the Western Cape Government
Ritu emphasizes that road safety is an important aspect of young people’s lives. Youth need safe roads and safe mobility to access work, school, friends, and family. Youth are reliant on public transport so it is important to make sure that it is safe for young people everywhere.
As the resolution is an important document for member states, Ritu brings up another important document – The Global Youth Statement for Road Safety – where youth’s opinions on major road safety issues are listed. The Youth Statement also enumerates the demands and commitments of youth when it comes to issues surrounding road safety.
Ritu specializes in gender rights and equality. She talks about how road safety and sustainable mobility covers issues regarding gender and inequality. “Road safety has an integral role in promoting gender equality and peace. As an activist, I wish that the UN Resolution had more mention of the problems of harassment on transport, not just crashes, speed, etc. This is a big problem in many areas in my nation, India, where there are no road lights and police quarters nearby roads.”
Photo from She The People: The Women’s Channel
During the recently concluded UN75 Youth Dialogue for Road Safety hosted by the Global Youth Coalition, the session that covers road safety through the lens of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities talked about the clear need for a change in societal behavior especially toward women who are harassed for being road users. Ritu sees that women are becoming more empowered to stand up against harassment but notes that serious action and attention are still needed toward this reality.
The new resolution calls on member states to engage the youth in road safety by promoting knowledge and awareness. Youth are important players when it comes to the road safety movement. Youth make up a huge part of the population and are the most affected by the road crash menace.
“The Global Youth Statement for Road Safety calls on governments to be accountable for their commitments. It is not just our own road behavior, we must get our governments to act and ensure a safer and sustainable mobility system for all users, not only cars.”