Young leaders Simon Patrick Obi from Nigeria and Jacob Smith from the USA represent the Global Youth Coalition during the Transforming Transportation Conference that took place last 19th to 20th March 2024 at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The Conference gathered transport and financial leaders and professionals and allowed them to take a deep dive into the urgent need for climate financing in transportation. Topics for discussions included the correlation between investments, economic growth, and climate targets; and the role that organizations of all kinds, from development banks to community groups, can play in driving transformative change.
Simon and Jacob met with different representatives of transportation groups where they talked about; the importance of including youth voices, ideas, and expertise in designing streets and systems that put people first to achieve a safe and sustainable urban transformation, how active modes of transport like walking, cycling, and public transport modes are closely linked to increase in health outcomes, and the need to support the creation of inclusive streets that are truly fit and ready to support road safety for young people.
