With great pleasure we report back from the Second Global Meeting of NGO´s Advocating for Road Safety. On 14 and 15 March 2011 more than 80 NGOs gathered in Washington DC, USA at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). In a nutshell, the participants shared knowledge, experiences and approaches to advocating for road safety and road crash victims. Talked about creating a global alliance of NGOs for road safety and road victims, strengthen their capacities for engaging with the media and were encouraged to deliver a contribution to the launch and implementation of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020.
It needs no mention that for YOURS it was important that there were also youth participants in this meeting and it is with much delight to mention that Axel Druart (RYD), Marlies den Ouden (TeamAlert), Aliou Oumarou (FONDEÏ MA BORI) and Ana Maria Dall´Agnese (Vida Urgente) had the opportunity to represent the youth and their organizations.
On the first day there were several Spotlight presentations on advocacy work from different perspectives and countries. This section was followed up by Johanna Birckmayer, Director at Tobacco-Free Kids. It was interesting to learn about a different sector advocating for another public health issue. To close the morning session Laura Sminkey, Communication Officer at WHO, presented the draft of Advocating for Road Safety and Road Victims: A guide for NGOs. After some discussion and suggestions it was endorsed as a useful tool. After lunch the participants discussed ways how to implement the guide and how to prepare for the Decade of Action for Road Safety. The last two hours were dedicated for a training session on: working the media.
On the second day it was a real pleasure for YOURS to chair the morning session. Margie Peden kicked off the day by presenting the global impact of road traffic injuries and what works to prevent them. From this clear presentation from a global level, it was time to discuss the ´Trends, challenges and opportunities´ from a regional perspective. All participants broke up into 4 regions and could meet one hour expressing their needs and solutions and reported back in plenary their lively discussions. In the afternoon Jeffrey Witte from Amend presented the concept for a Global Alliance of NGOs and again there was an opportunity to break up into 4 working groups to discuss such a concept (needs, expected results, next steps, etc.). Overall the idea of an Alliance was welcomed and there was a general consensus to move forward on this.
In conclusion it were two very inspirational and learning-full days. It was great to see and feel such a great energy and to see old and to make new friends in our working field. YOURS can´t wait for the next Global NGO Meeting, perhaps organized by the newly formed Alliance?