The United Nations has launched a global conversation to tackle the challenges the global community face and identify ways on how we can build back better. These conversations will be known as the UN75 Dialogues. The UN Dialogues are meant to spark conversations in all settings – from classrooms, boardrooms, parliaments, village halls, online channels, and more.
The outcomes will help the United Nations identify areas that need to be addressed, which issues need to be prioritized, what obstacles hinder development, and the role of the international corporation in making progress.
To bring road safety into the forefront, the Global Youth Coalition conducted a dialogue with youth leaders from all over the world to talk about the issues surrounding safer roads and sustainable mobility. It was conducted on Wednesday, 16 September 2020.
Issues Tackled
The UN75 Dialogue for Road Safety was conducted via a zoom call with 25 youth leaders from all over the world. The group was divided into five based on the Sustainable Development Goals connected with road safety. Each group session was led by members of the Youth Advisory Board for the Global Youth Coalition.
The groups identified the hindrances toward achieving safer roads and sustainable mobility for all, youth’s vision for the year 2045 – where the UN marks its 100th anniversary, areas where youth need to be placed to further efforts in achieving the global goals, and how the UN can help support efforts for safer roads and sustainable mobility.
Each issue was connected with the specific SDG per group, specifically SDG 3: Health and Wellbeing, SDG 4: Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
Youth Perspective on the UN and Road Safety
From the different group discussions, youth leaders have identified key areas for intervention in the road safety and sustainable mobility sectors.
Reiterating the demands listen in the Global Youth Statement for Road Safety, youth are demanding for educational materials and resources for all road users and the opportunity to bring their opinions, perspectives, and ideas to the decision-making table.
The information and opinions gathered during the dialogues will be featured in the UN General Assembly to present to world leaders at the official commemoration of the UN’s 75th Anniversary in September 2020.