Madrid, Spain – YOURS – Youth for Road Safety through the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety gathered members from its youth leadership structures to participate in the first-ever Youth Leadership Retreat on Road Safety from the 29th of August to the 1st of September. A total of 23 leaders from 18 countries were present during the Retreat.
Through its activities, the Retreat was able to improve and develop the capabilities of our leaders as facilitators of change in road safety. Each participant was also able to successfully link the Leadership Structure Plan with the Youth Coalition’s Strategy through hands-on activities and reflective sessions.
The Retreat also focused on the improvement of communication and advocacy skills that would best spotlight road safety, sustainable mobility, and meaningful youth participation. The discussions were guided by the YOURS Capacity Development Team, Manpreet Darroch and Laura Daniela Gomez.
The Team walked participants through a bespoke, specially designed educational curriculum using the multi-award-winning YOURS Capacity Development methodology.
The participants were also treated to different messages from road safety leaders such as Dr. Etienne Krug, World Health Organization – WHO Director for the Department of the Social Determinants of Health and Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Special Envoy on Youth.
María Seguí-Gómez, International Consultant on Road Safety and Injury Prevention, was also able to join the face-to-face discussion to share her experiences in decision-making around matters related to road safety and sustainable mobility.
She encouraged the young leaders to focus on ensuring the safety of all road users, especially the most vulnerable ones like young people. “Dismantle the mobility system and rebuild it with safety at heart”
Our young leaders shared their enthusiasm for the opportunity to come together and learn more about ways they can energize the youth and road safety movement.
“Super thankful and grateful to join the first-ever Youth Leadership Retreat on Road Safety by YOURS. It is an exciting and engaging retreat to be able to connect with the exceptional young leaders fighting to make our environment safe and sustainable! Together, we’ll drive a positive and impactful change in the world” – Estiara Ellizar