UN Announces New Decade of Action for Road Safety: What Can Youth Do?

Photo Credits: UNICEF/Moldova/2019/Cernomorcenco

Youth have been key players in the road safety arena since the announcement of the first Decade of Action for Road Safety in 2011. Youth were listed as the most vulnerable when it came to road crashes. As a result, youth road safety leaders, activists, and advocates have taken the stand to lead the change for safer roads and sustainable mobility.

Earlier this August, the United Nations announced the New Decade of Action for Road Safety throughout 2021-2030. The need to meet SDG Target 3.6, halving the number of road-related deaths and injuries by the year 2030, is not greater than ever. Young people continue to lose their lives on the road. Enough is enough. 

The New Decade of Action reiterates its invitation to governments to take leading roles in implementing activities in support of global road safety targets and encourages member states to promote road safety awareness and knowledge through education, training, and campaigns, especially among youth.

Photo from https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/news/2020/07/iyd-4/

Leaning on the Global Youth Statement for Road Safety, youth have committed to advocate for better safer mobility situations, petition for meaningful youth representation in decision-making, raise awareness on road safety in schools and other areas, press local decision-makers to invest in safer roads and sustainable mobility, and more. 

Since its launch last 7 July 2020, the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety continues to engage, empower, and equip youth with the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to become effective road safety champions.  

Youth are becoming more aware and more involved in road safety, sustainable mobility, decision-making, and other initiatives toward Target 3.6, Vision Zero, and the New Decade of Action. 

The Coalition looks to strengthen youth initiatives, projects, and activities geared toward road safety by providing its members with networks, platforms, and capacity development tools. At present, over a hundred youth leaders have joined the Coalition to solidify their commitment to safer roads and sustainable mobility. 

Together, we can achieve the targets set by the New Decade of Action. Let’s keep #ClaimingOurSpace!