On 25 February 2020, the Special Envoy delivered his opening remarks at the 82nd Inland Transport Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) annual session in Geneva, alongside ECE Executive Secretary.
In his speech, the Special Envoy expressed appreciation to the Member States for paving the way towards our collective vision for sustainable transport and mobility. Explaining the outcomes of the Stockholm Conference and declaration, the Special Envoy highlighted the “global road safety emergency”, requiring increased efforts of all relevant stakeholders. The Special Envoy called upon private, public and civil society stakeholders to take ownership of their respective responsibilities – putting safety at the forefront of their actions, investments and products.
On the margins of the opening session, the Special Envoy participated in the “Safer and cleaner used vehicles” side event and “Post-Stockholm session for Geneva Friends of Road Safety Network”.
The Special Envoy also held bilateral meetings to learn about road safety progress and to exchange updates on activities. During these meetings, he encouraged accelerated progress towards global road safety goals as well as support, contributions and applications for potential funding from UNRSF.
The following bilateral meetings took place in Geneva during ITC session:
o Mr. Joel Biggie Matiza, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development of Zimbabwe
o Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister of Transport of Ghana
o Mr. Fidele Dimou, Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation and Merchant Marine of Congo
o Dr. Abdullah Belhai Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works and Chairman of the National Transport Authority of United Arab Emirates
o Mr. Bounchanh Sinthavong, Minister of Transport of Laos
o Ms. Joy Kafura Kabatsi, Uganda Minister of State for Works and Transport
o Mr. Aubin Sagna, Secretary General of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Land Transport and Accessibility of Senegal
o EuroMed Transport Support Project (EuroMed TSP) Delegation
