Global Youth Coalition Member Feature: Harshita Joshi

1. Where are you connected right now? Tell us about the work you're doing.
I am From India and currently working as Vice President of a Ministry of MSME Registered start-up, IP Academy. At IP Academy, we have been doing a range of activities for youth empowerment. We educate them on various issues and solutions civil society has to face. We also have IPMUN Cares Initiative for social services of society and helping underprivileged students with education, menstruation hygiene, cleanliness, and road safety

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 was involved in road safety for the last 9 years. I was in eighth grade when our school organized its first road safety seminar and after that, we spread awareness by giving a rose to those who violate traffic rules on major signals. We also went to some hinterlands to educate the population about road safety. My batchmates and I created a project when we were in tenth grade - it was about safety and the bumps people see on the road and how the speed breakers can be used to get energy for sustainability.

3. Can you tell us a little bit about the road safety and sustainable mobility situation in your area?
The present transport system has minimized the distances we travel but it has increased the life-threatening risks for people. To minimize these risks, the government has been taking a number of major steps which include the following; (1) in 2015, the Indian government announced the application of new regulations consistent with the UN standards for front and side-impact and also pedestrian protection, (2) for new car models, the use of the front and side crash tests came into force from October 2017 and will be applied to all new cars from October 2019, (3) the pedestrian protection regulation for new models came into force from October 2018 and will apply to all new cars from October 2020.

In addition, new cars are required to have airbags fitted as standard and to have a speed warning device above 80 km/h. India signed the Brasilia declaration and is committed to a reduction in fatalities.

4. Why do you think it's important to include young people in local and global road safety efforts?
Youth aren’t just the future of any country but it’s the present too. Young people are quick to learn and have the ability to bridge the gap between upcoming technology, adults, and kids. They have the potential and energy to learn new sustainable approaches and implement them. They can make sure that different projects and initiatives reach the most number of people. Investment in youth itself means investment in a sustainable future.

5. Why did you join the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety?
The Global Youth Coalition For Road Safety is a platform where youth across the globe can sit together and share their own experiences and knowledge. It brings many unique ideas to the table, resulting in better road safety initiatives. I look forward to exchanging ideas and learning from fellow members and leaders.

6. What are your comments on the Coalition? Its activities? Its opportunities?
In my opinion, the Youth Coalition provides so many diverse opprtinities. Its activities are not limited to any one segment, they provide holistic development for character development too.

7. Any messages for people who have not yet joined the coalition
Let's join our hands together for a more responsible and safe world.