Save the Nation Participates in the 8th Global Road Safety Leadership Course in Baltimore, USA

Executive Director Mesganaw Bimrew completes prestigious two-week training at Johns Hopkins University.

Baltimore, USA – May 2026 – Save the Nation (SNA) is proud to announce the participation of its Executive Director, Mesganaw Bimrew, in the eighth Global Road Safety Leadership Course (GRSLC), held from May 11 to May 22, 2026, in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

The course was co-organized by the Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU) and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP), with generous support from Bloomberg Philanthropies. It brought together road safety professionals, advocates, and policymakers from around the world to strengthen leadership capacity and exchange evidence-based strategies for reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Course Highlights

During the two-week intensive program, participants engaged in sessions covering:

• Advocacy and policy influence – Strategies for engaging decision-makers and driving legislative change
• Data-driven interventions – Using evidence to design effective road safety programs
• Leadership and coalition building – Strengthening organizational capacity and fostering partnerships
• Stakeholder mapping – Identifying key actors and navigating political landscapes
• Global best practices – Learning from successful road safety initiatives across different countries

Mr. Bimrew noted that the stakeholder mapping exercise was among the most useful sessions, helping him develop a clear action plan for Ethiopia. “I left with a roadmap, not just ideas. That is rare in any training,” he said.

Building Global Connections

Beyond the classroom, the course provided invaluable networking opportunities. Mr. Bimrew connected with fellow advocates from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, sharing experiences and exploring potential collaborations.

“The diversity in the room was powerful. We may come from different countries, but our challenges are similar, and our commitment to saving lives is shared. I now have a global network I can call on for advice, support, and partnership.”

What This Means for Save the Nation

The knowledge and skills gained from the GRSLC will directly benefit SNA’s ongoing and future projects, including:

• Strengthening advocacy efforts with Ethiopian government bodies
• Designing evidence-based road safety interventions for high-risk communities
• Building stronger partnerships with international donors and organizations
• Enhancing SNA’s organizational leadership and strategic planning

“This course has equipped me to lead more effectively, advocate more boldly, and implement more strategically,” Mr. Bimrew stated. “Save the Nation will be stronger because of it.”

Acknowledgments

Save the Nation extends its deepest gratitude to:

• Bloomberg Philanthropies – For investing in global road safety leadership
• Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit – For world-class training and guidance
• Global Road Safety Partnership – For bringing advocates together from around the world

Special thanks also go to the GRSLC coordination team, led by Ms. Hanaa, for their patience, flexibility, and belief in this mission.

Looking Ahead

As Mr. Bimrew returns to Ethiopia, he carries with him not only a certificate of completion but also a renewed sense of purpose and a detailed action plan for the months ahead.

“The work does not stop here,” he said. “It only gets stronger. I am ready to serve.”

Save the Nation remains committed to its mission: reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities in Ethiopia through advocacy, education, and community-based interventions. This milestone in Baltimore is a step forward — but the journey continues.

For media inquiries or partnership opportunities

Save the Nation
Email: info@sna-ethio.org
Phone: +251920717744
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia