AU Commissioner Leads Action for Advancing Global Road Safety Agenda Ahead of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety

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September 24, 2024

The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Nations, in partnership with the Fédération Internationale de l' Automobile (FIA) Foundation and the World Health Organisation (WHO) hosted a high-level reception promoting the upcoming 4^th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, which will be held on 18-20 February 2025 in Marrakesh, Morocco. The event brought together global leaders and road safety advocates and experts to address the critical need for concerted action on road safety, with a particular focus on Africa, where road traffic fatalities remain alarmingly high.

H.E. Dr Amani Abou-Zeid, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, underscored the gravity of Africa’s road safety challenges, noting that the continent is the only region where road traffic deaths have actually increased since 2010. While acknowledging the challenges Africa faces, Commissioner Abou-Zeid preferred to send a message of hope and outlined African Union's commitment to tackling the issue, citing the African Road Safety Charter as a key framework for improving road safety across the continent. She also commended African nations that have already taken the bold step of banning the import of second-hand cars, a move aimed at improving road safety and reducing traffic accidents. “Broader collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and specialists will be key to finding long-term solutions”, she said.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid took this opportunity to extend an invitation to all Ministers and stakeholders across the continent and beyond to massively participate in the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety which will take place on African soil in Marrakesh, Morocco in February 2025. “On behalf of Africa, I invite all stakeholders—governments, the private sector, car manufacturers, and civil society—to unite and work together to tackle this crisis. The Marrakesh conference will be a pivotal moment to galvanise support for a vision of safe and sustainable mobility in Africa and the world”, she said. “Our voice in the global road safety dialogue must be loud but our actions must speak even louder,” she added.

Commissioner Abou-Zeid also highlighted the critical intersection of transport and women's safety, stressing that safer roads are not only an economic or mobility issue but a matter of protecting vulnerable populations.

The reception featured a range of high-level speakers, including Moroccan Transport Minister H.E. Mohamed Abdeljalil, who called on all stakeholders to join the global effort in Marrakesh. “We must confront this crisis head-on and work toward a historic Marrakesh Declaration that will chart a path to safer roads for all,” he urged. Echoing this sentiment, UN Special Envoy for Road Safety Mr. Jean Todt underlined the gravity of the situation: “We are facing a silent pandemic, but unlike other crises, we already have the solutions—education, law enforcement, improved road infrastructure, and higher vehicle safety standards. Now, it’s time to ensure these measures are implemented effectively to save lives and create safer roads for everyone”.

The event set the stage for the upcoming 4^th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech with stakeholders committing to address Africa’s road safety crisis through innovative solutions, stronger policies, and international collaboration.

Read more about Road Safety Charter at: https://au.int/en/treaties/road-safety-charter

For further information please contact:

Ms. Bezayit Eyoel | Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: bezayite@africa-union.org |
Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africa-union.org