Every year, Europe tunes in to the Eurovision Song Contest, a comptetion where 43 of Europe’s countries showcase their best song with the hope of winning the coveted title of Eurovision champion. After parading their music to the world via an extravagant television show, it is over to Europe to vote in their millions for their favourite act. Last year saw the title given to Nikki from Azerbaijan and now the much loved winner has pledged for road safety reaching thousands across Europe!
Eurovision Song Contest winner Nikki launched a new campaign in Baku on 23rd April 2012, organized by EASST partner HAYAT, to save lives in Azerbaijan in support of the Decade of Action for Road Safety and of EASST’s work in the region.
Eurovision Song Contest Winner Nikki supports the Decade of Action for Road Safety!
At the Hilton Hotel Baku, Nikki spoke about her commitment to road safety in Azerbaijan and released a clip of her new music video ‘Can’t Let You Go’. The 2011 Eurovision champion’s new song and video, with a powerful road safety message, will be released in May 2012 as part of EASST’s campaign to increase the levels of seat belt wearing in Azerbaijan, and in support of the UN Decade of Action which aims to save five million lives and prevent 50 million serious injuries around the world over the next 10 years.
Speaking at the event, Nikki said: “I know that music can be incredibly powerful in getting messages across, particularly to young people. My mission is to help save lives in Azerbaijan, to reduce the numbers of casualties on our roads. I’m urging everyone to wear a seatbelt and to support the Decade of Action for Road Safety.”
Nikki demonstrates the importance of using a seat belt and Anri Jokhadze campaigning in neighbouring country Georgia.
Nikki was joined at the launch event by Anri Jokhadze, the Georgian entrant of the 2012 Eurovision contest who has been working to raise awareness for road safety in his country. In collaboration with Georgian Public Broadcasting and EASST partner the Partnership for Road Safety, Anri promoted a video at the event calling for parents to use child safety restraints. Anri’s trip and participation at the event were funded by EASST who are enormously proud to have enlisted both Nikki and Anri as their road safety ambassadors in the region.
Dmitry Sambuk comments on the increasing number of road fatalities in Azerbaijan and Colonel Lieutenant Aliyev, Head of the Department of the Traffic Police of Azerbaijan.
Also speaking at the launch was EASST’s Regional Coordinator Dmitry Sambuk who spoke of the increasing number of road casualties in Azerbaijan and called for organizations and other bodies to unite to save lives and reverse this trend in Azerbaijan. The event guests and media representatives also heard from Azar Allahveranov, Chairman of HAYAT International Humanitarian Organization and Colonel Lieutenant Kamran Aliyev Head of the Department of the Traffic Police of Azerbaijan, who both called for greater road safety awareness and a unification of efforts.
The successful event, which received a great deal of media attention, was organized by EASST partner, HAYAT, who will continue to hold seat belt awareness events via use of the Seat Belt Slide. For further information of HAYAT’s road safety work and how you can participate in the campaign please visit: http://www.roadsafety.az/