LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED

Save the Nation (SNA) OBSERVE THE 5TH UN DECADE OF ACTION GLOBAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK

It is widely acknowledged that stronger leadership for road safety is needed to save lives. The progress we are able to make hinges on the political will of our decision-makers to act. We are now calling upon our political leadership to make decisions that will keep our roads safer for us to use.

The UN Global Road Safety Week was requested by the United Nations General Assembly, the Fifth United Nations Global Road Safety Week began on the 6 May 2019 end on Sunday. This Week focused on leadership for road safety. It is widely acknowledged that stronger leadership for road safety is needed to achieve the Global Goals. Therefore it launches action through the ongoing campaign: Save Lives – #SpeakUp.

The #SpeakUp campaign provides an opportunity for civil society to generate demands for strong leadership for road safety, especially around concrete, evidence-based interventions which will save lives. It will also inspire leaders to take action by showcasing strong leadership for road safety within governments, international agencies, NGOs, foundations, schools and universities and private companies.

Our Save the Nation (SNA) did just that. We called upon our decision makers and other stakeholders to ensure our demands are heard.

 WE DEMAND OUR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT US

Building the capacity of civil society organizations is critical to implementing a Safe System. The influence of politicians and policymakers is only ever as long their term in office. Moreover, road safety is a multi-agency, multi-sectorial issue. It involves communication and cooperation between local and national government, transport agencies, traffic police, education and health departments and private industry, as well as local communities and road users. The priorities of these stakeholders can clash, resulting in numerous conflicting, short-term agendas being implemented simultaneously.

In this context, civil society organizations can provide the leadership and continuity needed to ensure sustainable and meaningful change. They help keep road safety on the government agenda and unite stakeholders with a common goal. They have a unique perspective on the impact of policies on local communities – and in particular on vulnerable road users – that is absolutely essential to good road safety outcomes.

Strong, independent local civil society organizations with road safety expertise are indispensable. We ask our government to help in supporting our efforts.