From 22 to 23 June 2022, the Special Envoy travelled to Brussels, Belgium to attend the European Development Days and host a High-Level Panel on “safe and green mobility in low- and middle-income countries”. The panel also included the launch of the Special Envoy’s new book “The Road Ahead, 26 Voices for Safe and Sustainable Mobility”. This publication is a book of essays written by “Friends of the Special Envoy” about how to tackle the invisible pandemic of traffic crash fatalities and injuries. The panel hosted contributors of the book in a question-and-answer format.
During the mission, the Special Envoy met with the following Government officials and partners to discuss possible collaborations, update on the HLM and encourage support to the UNRSF.
• H.E. Ms. Saara Kuugongelwa, Prime Minister of Namibia;
• H.E. Ms. Dagmawit Moges, Minister of Transport of Ethiopia;
• H.E. Mr. Francesco Genuardi, Ambassador of Italy.
• Ms. Christa Schweng, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC);
• Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, Special Representative of the EU for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Economic Commission;
• Mr. Mario Nava, Director-General of Structural Reform Support, Economic Commission (EC).
Moreover, the Special Envoy was pleased to participate in the Brussels Friends of Road Safety hub launch event hosted by H.E. Mr. Francesco Genuardi, Ambassador of Italy. European Commission representatives, local private sector and international organizations were also in attendance.
The Special Envoy attended a meeting with the Heads of UN Agencies, including UNICEF and UNDP, to discuss possible partnerships to strengthen the message of road safety and raise awareness from multiple platforms.
Lastly, the Special Envoy was interviewed by the UN Brussels media team and the EC media team about his role as the Special Envoy and his participation at the European Development Days, particularly about the launch of his new publication featuring many distinguished colleagues working to improve road safety.