Latest news with #4thGlobalMinisterialConferenceonRoadSafety
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
UAE participates in the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech
Abu Dhabi – The United Arab Emirates, represented by a delegation led by the Ministry of Interior, participated in the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, organised by the World Health Organization in Marrakech, Kingdom of Morocco, from 18 to 20 February 2025. This participation reflects the UAE's commitment to enhancing international cooperation and sharing expertise in road safety. The delegation was led by Brigadier Engineer Hussein Ahmed Al Harithi, Chairman of the Federal Traffic Council. The delegation included members from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ, and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport. The UAE's participation in this conference reflects its commitment to staying up to date with the latest developments in road safety, exchanging expertise with other countries and specialised international organisations, and showcasing its pioneering achievements in this sector. The UAE is among the top 10 countries globally that successfully reduced road traffic fatalities by 50% over the past decade (2011–2020). The UAE delegation participated in an international panel discussion titled "The Role of Local Authorities in Enhancing Road Safety: Towards Safer and More Sustainable Urban Mobility." During the session, Eng. Sumaya Al Neyadi, Head of Road Safety at Abu Dhabi Mobility, presented the UAE's road safety strategies, with a particular focus on Abu Dhabi's Road Safety Strategy. Developed in line with the Safe System Approach, this strategy aims to enhance road safety across the emirate. She highlighted key achievements accomplished between 2019 and 2024, including a 31% reduction in road traffic fatalities. Eng. Al Neyadi also showcased Abu Dhabi's approach to integrating road safety into urban planning and the important role of local leadership in shaping a safer and more sustainable city. The discussion also covered innovative solutions implemented, challenges encountered in driving policy change, community engagement efforts, and infrastructure improvements, all contributing to safer urban mobility for everyone. It is noteworthy that the conference brought together over 5,000 participants, including ministerial delegations, representatives from the UN and international organisations, as well as members of civil society, NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector entities involved in road safety. The conference covered several key topics related to road safety, including the exchange of international expertise and best practices, as well as an assessment of expected outcomes in enhancing road safety, aimed at protecting lives and preserving resources. It also reviewed the progress made during the first five years of implementing the Global Plan for Road Safety (2021–2030) and explored strategies and action plans aligned with the vision of the United Nations and the World Health Organization to promote safe and sustainable mobility. The overarching goal is to reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries by 50% by 2030. The United Arab Emirates proactively approved the continued implementation of Abu Dhabi's Road Safety Strategy Action Plan, incorporating a mid-term review to assess lessons learned, identify necessary improvements, and determine key priorities for implementation. Furthermore, the UAE delegation endorsed the update of the National Road Safety Strategy at the national level, which includes the development of a global digital platform to enhance international collaboration in road safety. This platform aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and the dissemination of global best practices in the field. At the end of the conference, participants reached a consensus on a set of key actions and recommendations aligned with the Safe System Approach, emphasising the reinforcement of road safety measures to reduce traffic crashes and ensuring safer road environment for all. About Abu Dhabi Mobility: Abu Dhabi Mobility is the brand identity launched by the Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, that is aligned with Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to rank among the most advanced cities in the world, and deliver a safe, smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem across the Emirate. Abu Dhabi Mobility 's mandate includes overseeing land transport, aviation and maritime activities solidifying its commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the region. Abu Dhabi Mobility will harness technology, innovation, and sustainability to accommodate the Emirate's growing population, redefine urban living, and meet future mobility needs.
Morocco World
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Morocco World
Marrakech Road Safety Conference Ratifies Groundbreaking Declaration
Doha – The 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety concluded Thursday in Marrakech with the adoption of a comprehensive declaration aimed at strengthening international commitment to safer roads. The three-day event, held from February 18-20, brought together over 3,000 participants from more than 100 delegations, including 52 African countries. Hosted by the Government of Morocco and the World Health Organization, with the theme of 'Commit to Life,' the summit marked Morocco's position as the first African and Arab country to host this global gathering. 'This declaration is the fruit of a collaborative effort, reflecting the voices and contributions of all stakeholders,' Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said during Thursday's closing session. 'It's not merely a declaration of intent, but a call to action, a roadmap for achieving significant progress in road safety worldwide.' The Marrakech Declaration establishes concrete measures for accelerating the implementation of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. 'The declaration urges member states and relevant actors to accelerate and intensify efforts to implement the global plan, making road safety a political priority and ensuring its relevance as a catalyst for the development agenda,' Kayouh stated. 'We have carefully integrated feedback received to ensure it truly represents everyone involved in road safety: governments, cities, civil society, academia, private sector, and most importantly, victims and their families, who remind us of the human cost behind each statistic and hold us accountable.' Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, pointed out the importance of individual responsibility. 'Governments have a role to play, but individual responsibility is equally crucial,' he argued. 'Daily actions make the difference in road safety, such as wearing helmets, using seat belts, and avoiding drunk driving.' Said Dahdah, Director of the World Bank's Global Road Safety Facility, asserted that 'multilateral development banks plan to increase road safety funding to $10 billion over the next decade.' He affirmed readiness to expand funding if member states deem it necessary. Strengthening international cooperation Addressing Morocco's role, Omar Hilale, Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN, said on Wednesday: 'Morocco is the first African and Arab country to host this major conclave, sending a signal of support to Africa, especially since nearly 25% of global accidents occur on the continent.' He added that the declaration 'is not an end in itself, but a step toward greater international mobilization for road safety as one of the Sustainable Development Goals.' The declaration encourages member states to establish interministerial coordination mechanisms between health, transport, education, infrastructure, interior, and environment ministries to address cross-cutting issues impacting road safety sectors. The conference introduced significant initiatives, including the Mohammed VI International Road Safety Prize. International Road Federation President Dimitris Mandalozis affirmed that 'any action aimed at increasing public awareness of road safety importance and reducing accidents can only move in the right direction.' Minister Kayouh announced a new safety measure: 'Aware of the growing presence of two and three-wheeled vehicles on Moroccan roads, I commit to ensuring high-quality helmets complying with UN safety standards for all new buyers. Each purchase will include two certified helmets.' A worldwide concern WHO's latest report reveals concerning statistics about the Decade of Action's progress. Only six countries have legal frameworks fully aligned with WHO best practices on risk factors, while 140 countries have laws addressing at least one risk factor. Ten countries achieved the first decade's goals by reducing deaths by 50%, while 35 countries achieved reductions between 30% and 49% from 2010 to 2021. Morocco recorded a 13% reduction during this period. The declaration calls for specific actions. 'Financial actors such as banks, investors, insurance companies, and auditors must explicitly require entities to actively address road safety in their value chains as a prerequisite for financial participation at reasonable financing rates,' the document states. On the horizon, Morocco will convene a meeting in 2026 to assess progress. 'This follow-up will measure how far the international community has advanced in adopting the Marrakech Declaration,' Hilale said. For historical context, this fourth edition follows previous conferences in Moscow (2009), Brasilia (2015), and Stockholm (2020). The WHO has reported a slight decrease in annual road accident deaths from 1.35 million to 1.2 million, representing a 5% reduction in deaths and a 16% reduction in deaths per 100,000 population between 2010 and 2021. Read also: Morocco Inks New Agreement to Support Palestine in Transport, Logistics Tags: Global Road SafetyInternational PolicyMarrakech Declaration
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Qatar, Kuwait discuss cooperation in transportation
Minister of Transport H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani met Minister of Public Works of Kuwait H E Dr. Noura Mohammed Khaled Al Mishaan on the sidelines of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech, Morocco. The two ministers discussed the two countries' relations in areas of transportation, mobility services, and their associated infrastructure, and ways to enhance them. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Morocco World
19-02-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Inks New Agreement to Support Palestine in Transport, Logistics
Rabat– Morocco and Palestine signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation in air, maritime, and road transport, as well as the logistics sector. The agreement, formalized on Wednesday in Marrakech, aims to bolster the exchange of expertise and training while supporting Palestine's infrastructure and development. The MoU was signed by Abdessamad Kayouh, Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, and his counterpart Tarek Zaghreb, Palestine's Minister of Transport and Telecommunications. The agreement is designed to enhance Palestine's transport sector. Under the terms, Morocco will provide knowledge, capacity building, and technical assistance, specifically in airport and port management, road transport development, and logistics services. In air transport, the agreement details that Morocco will provide support towards the reconstruction of Yasser Arafat International Airport in Gaza, which was destroyed by Israel during their genocide on the enclave. Morocco will also share its expertise and aid in airport operations and aviation training. In this sector, Morocco will additionally support Palestine's efforts to join the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and establish a Palestinian Civil Aviation Academy in partnership with the Mohammed VI International Civil Aviation Academy. In the realm of maritime transport, Morocco will share expertise covering merchant fleet management, ship safety, port operations, crisis response, and search and rescue efforts. Additionally, under the agreement the country will support Palestine in developing maritime regulations and obtaining membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In terms of road transport, the agreement covers technical assistance, professional training, and mutual recognition of driver's licenses between Morocco and Palestine. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Minister Tarek Zaghreb expressed his deep appreciation to King Mohammed VI, President of the Al-Quds Committee, for his continued support of Palestine. In a statement to the press, Zaghreb said that the agreement, signed on the sidelines of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, will strengthen cooperation in transport and logistics while enhancing opportunities for training and technical exchange between the two nations. This is part of Morocco's greater efforts to show its dedication to the Palestinian cause, at a time when the country and people face constant hostilities by the Israeli occupation. Under King Mohammed VI's vision, Morocco has orchestrated multiple aid shipments to Gaza and signed other agreements that include but are not limited to the preservation of Palestinian cultural heritage. Tags: morooco palestinePalestineTransport and Logistics
Morocco World
19-02-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
World Cup 2030: Host Countries to Establish Committee to Oversee Preparations Campaign
Rabat – The Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has announced the creation of a committee that seeks to oversee the preparation for the 2030 World Cup that Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal. In a statement on Tuesday, FRMF said that the committee will 'unify the efforts of the three countries' organizing the prestigious tournament. A meeting between FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa and his Spanish counterpart, Rafael Louzan, agreed to the creation of the special committee. 'The two parties agreed to form joint commissions to unify the efforts of the three countries… through meetings that will take place in the coming days, alternating between the host nations of the 2030 World Cup,' FRMF said. During his meeting with Louzan, Lekaa stressed the importance of his delegation's visit to Morocco to review the preparations for the much-hailed Euro-African co-hosting of the world's most prestigious sporting tournament. He also recalled the historical and cultural ties between the two countries, stressing the need to accelerate the creation of joint commissions to ensure a successful preparation campaign. Louzan commended Morocco's progress, including football development and infrastructure. He said that these achievements enhance bilateral cooperation, meeting the expectations of officials of both countries as well as supporters. He also agreed with Lekjaa regarding the importance of creating joint commissions to accelerate the implementation of future projects before 2030. Spain is scaling up efforts to collaborate with the two other co-hosts, reaffirming its commitment to ensure the success of the tournament. While representing Spain at the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety in Marrakech this past Tuesday, Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reiterated his country's readiness to actively work with Morocco towards the hosting of a memorable World Cup. Grande-Marlaska said he expects the North African kingdom to rise to the occasion and meet the ever-growing expectations of footballing fans across the world. The first-ever Euro-African FIFA World Cup will be a 'great success,' he stressed. Tags: FIFA World Cup 2030Morocco
