Global Youth Coalition Member Feature: Carmen Galdón

1. Where are you connected right now? Tell us about the work you're doing.
I’m currently studying film and visual arts in Madrid (Spain). From time to time I participate in creating short films, either writing, directing, or editing them. I’m also passionate about painting and illustration. I'm currently creating a collection of painted portraits dedicated to women around the globe. I post most of my illustrations on Instagram @_karmentxu and photography-related content on @_karma.jpg.

2. How did you first get involved in road safety and how long have you been working in the road safety and sustainable mobility field?
I started getting involved in road safety projects when I was a little girl. Both my father and uncle work in the road safety field so I helped them out by acting in videos. When I was in high school, I collaborated with a police education project by making short comics for them. This year, I worked on a road safety project for a convention for the elderly and as an instructor in a children’s circuit.

3. Can you tell us a little about your area's road safety and sustainable mobility situation?
I’m happy to say that my area is particularly safe. However, there’s always work to be done. In the past few years, the city hall has worked on the improvement of my city’s roads but they have been de-prioritizing the importance of facilities for bikes and scooters. As a result, these methods of transportation have become quite dangerous especially since they are mostly used by teens who have no road education and use the roads quite recklessly.

4. Why do you think it's important to include young people in local and global road safety efforts?
As young people, it’s important that we acknowledge our part in today’s society and that we need to own up to the important roles that we have in decision-making, policymaking, and the wellness of our community. We need to be part of these safety efforts if we want to live in safe and better conditions.

5. Are there any other updates on your work you would like to share?
I would like to share that I’m part of the Scout Movement. I’ve been a member since I was 8 so I’ve always been interested in helping out and participating in projects that can make a difference. Right now my scout group and I are planning a big project dedicated to each one of the Sustainable Development Goals and how we can help to achieve them.

6. Why did you join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety?
My father introduced it to me after reading about the program for the retreat and it sparked my interest. I’m all for bettering myself and learning more, specially from people from all around the world so i’ts a great opportunity to get to know how this coalition works and contributes to our society.

7. What are your comments on the Youth Coalition? Its activities? Its opportunities?
I think it’s great that so many young people from all around the world have gathered together to demand change. It’s a great opportunity to learn from other cultures and understand how each country manages road safety and how we can better it.