Youth Voice Brings Road Safety into the Global Health Equity Conversation

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched its World Report on the Social Determinants of Health Equity, a global moment that reframes how we understand health. It’s not just about access to hospitals or medicines — it’s about where we live, how we move, and whether or not systems are designed for all of us, especially the most vulnerable.

Oliva Nalwadda, Board Member of the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety, represented YOURS and the Coalition at the official launch webinar. She stepped into a global space to make sure one truth was heard loud and clear: unsafe streets are a health equity issue.

Thanks to youth leadership, road safety was positioned as a critical piece of the health equity puzzle that can’t be ignored in cities where unsafe streets affect the most vulnerable. In her intervention, Oliva reminded everyone that young people are already taking action, and that action needs to be recognised, supported, and scaled. She challenged WHO and global leaders to go beyond consultation and embrace youth as co-creators of policies that affect their everyday lives.

A youth-powered example from Bogota

Oliva spotlighted the Pedestrian First project in Bogotá, led by Coalition member Maryfely Rincón. The project focuses on pedestrian safety and the rights of vulnerable road users, especially women, children, older adults, and people with disabilities, all of whom face increased risks and limited mobility options in unsafe environments.

Using a reverse periscope to help people experience the street from a child’s or disabled person’s point of view, the team sparked empathy and awareness. Through flashmobs, street theatre, and public interventions, they brought the issue into the public eye — not with stats, but with stories.

They also developed a Citizen Manifesto, gathering voices from local communities to advocate for safer, more walkable streets and inclusive urban design. This is what youth-led impact looks like.

A call backed by thousands

Oliva’s words weren’t just personal — they reflected the voices of thousands of young people around the world. Her message was rooted in the Global Youth Statement 2025, resulting from a year-long consultation process led by YOURS and the Coalition. This bold, structured plan calls on governments, policymakers, and stakeholders to take action in three critical areas:

1️⃣ Invest in Youth Solutions
Fund youth-led initiatives addressing speed, helmet use, safe infrastructure, and sustainable transport.

2️⃣ Team Up Across Generations
Bring young people and policymakers together to co-create smarter, safer systems.

3️⃣ Accountability Matters
Ensure youth can track policy progress and hold leaders accountable for real change.

Because young people aren’t waiting to be included, they’re already leading.

Read the full World Report on the Social Determinants of Health Equity and discover how youth voices are shaping a more just, inclusive future for all.