The representative for North Macedonia has issued a statement on behalf of the Delegation of the European Union and its Member States at the UN’s High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety in New York.
The statement reads:
“President, Excellencies,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.
The Candidate Countries, North Macedonia Statement.
We thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this important High-level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety. We also express our sincere appreciation to the co-facilitators, the Permanent Representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic and of the Slovak Republic, for their dedicated efforts in guiding the negotiations towards a consensus-based Progress Declaration.
The EU and its Member States are pleased to support the adoption of the Progress Declaration today, and we remain firmly committed to the global target of halving road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Achieving this objective requires ambition, accountability and effective implementation.
Every day, more than 3,500 people lose their lives on the world’s roads, while tens of millions more suffer injuries that often have lifelong consequences. Road traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of death among children and young adults worldwide and disproportionately affect vulnerable road users and low- and middle-income countries. These tragedies are preventable. They require sustained political commitment, effective policies and collective action at all levels.
3 points.
First, while human error is inevitable, deaths and serious injuries are not. Road transport systems must be designed to anticipate human mistakes and ensure that they do not result in fatal or life-changing consequences.
Experience has shown that lasting progress depends on comprehensive action. Safer infrastructure, high vehicle safety standards, appropriate speed management, effective enforcement of traffic rules, high-quality post-accident care and evidence-based policymaking must all work together.
Second, road safety is a shared responsibility. Governments, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, academia and international organisations all have an essential role to play. No country can address this challenge alone. International cooperation, knowledge-sharing and strong multilateral partnerships remain indispensable for accelerating progress worldwide.
The EU is committed to strengthening cooperation with the UN, the WHO, the UN Regional Commissions and other international partners to promote the implementation of global road safety standards and support capacity-building where it is needed most.
Through the Global Gateway strategy and other international partnerships, the European Union supports sustainable transport infrastructure that integrates road safety from the earliest stages of planning and design. We also invest in technical assistance, institutional capacity-building and knowledge exchange to help partner countries develop effective and sustainable road safety systems.
Finally, innovation and digital transformation offer significant opportunities to improve road safety. Connected mobility, intelligent transport systems, artificial intelligence and better use of data can contribute to safer roads, more effective traffic management and improved emergency response. At the same time, technology must complement – not replace – strong institutions, sound legislation and responsible road-user behaviour.
Particular attention must continue to be given to vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Safe mobility should be accessible to everyone, and transport systems must be designed with the needs of all users in mind.
Colleagues,
This High-level Meeting should reinforce our collective determination to implement the commitments we have made. The lives behind these statistics remind us that road safety is ultimately about protecting people, strengthening communities and promoting sustainable development.
The EU stands ready to work with all partners to accelerate implementation, share experience and mobilize the political will necessary to achieve our common objective: roads that are safe for everyone, everywhere.
Thank you.“
(Picture: Yay Images)
