To re-boost the collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), a key partner on road safety issues within the UN system, the Special Envoy held meetings with the new leadership members after the organization revamped its senior management structure earlier this year.
Dr. Zsuzsanna Jakab, Deputy Director-General, WHO
On 24 July 2019, the Special Envoy met with the newly appointed Deputy Director-General of WHO. The Special Envoy shared about his mandate and activities, including the newly established UNRSF, where WHO is represented both in its Advisory Board and the Steering Committee. The Special Envoy expressed appreciation of strong collaboration with WHO, including the launch of UN Internal Strategy for Road Safety as well as during the Caribbean Road Safety Workshop in Jamaica. The Special Envoy and Deputy Director-General agreed to continue close collaboration towards successfully delivering on the global road safety agenda.
Dr. Naoko Yamamoto, Assistant Director-General, Universal Health Coverage / Healthier Populations, WHO
On 22 July 2019, the Special Envoy met with the newly appointed Assistant Director-General of WHO, responsible for the road safety agenda. Together they discussed progress in advancing global road safety as well as a potential way forward and agreed on the importance of a scaled up and well-coordinated approach to reducing socio-economic consequences of the crisis globally.
Dr. Yamamoto presented the dedicated target for reducing road traffic deaths in WHO’s General Programme of Work, aimed at setting organization’s strategic direction through 2023 and supporting its Member States in achieving global goals. In conclusion, the Special Envoy and the ADG agreed on close collaboration leading up to the Third Ministerial Conference on Road Safety.
Ms. Michèle Boccoz, Director-General Envoy for Multilateral Affairs, WHO
On 22 July 2019, the Special Envoy met with WHO Director-General Envoy for Multilateral Affairs to discuss global road safety agenda and Director-General Envoy’s role in promoting road safety among Member States. Together they agreed on the importance of coordinated efforts of all road safety stakeholders as well as joining efforts with WHO towards defining a new road safety vision post-2020.