The UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will visit Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 16 to 17 July 2024. During the visit, he will meet with key government officials, representatives from the international community, private, and public sectors to promote road safety initiatives and advocate for enhanced measures. This aligns with the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030.
This silent pandemic represents a significant social and economic burden, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina. "In addition to the human tragedy, road crashes trap countries into a vicious circle of poverty. According to the World Bank (WB 2016), the cost of road crashes represents 10% of the GDP on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another reason to rethink mobility and to invest in road safety. Given their economic cost, road crashes are jeopardizing the entire sustainable development agenda" stressed the UNSG's Special Envoy Todt.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023, the number of road fatalities in Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to grow, with a mortality rate of 14/100,000 people. In comparison, Europe observes a rate of 7 deaths/100,000 people, with an average of 4.4 in the EU. "Improving enforcement of traffic laws, road infrastructure, and integrating advanced safety technologies are crucial for reducing these alarming statistics and ensuring safer roads for all in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Special Envoy Todt's involvement will be instrumental in raising awareness, and securing support for road safety and sustainable development initiatives in the country" stated Ingrid Macdonald, UN Resident Coordinator in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
During the visit, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Road Safety Campaign, which aims to raise awareness of life-saving road safety measures. Launched globally in cooperation with JCDecaux Global under the motto #MakeASafetyStatement, it will run through 2025 in over 80 countries, featuring safety statements from 14 global celebrities.
Media representatives are cordially invited to cover the press conference and campaign launch by Special Envoy Todt, Mayor of Sarajevo Benjamina Karić, and UN Resident Coordinator Ingrid Macdonald, on Wednesday, 17 July 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the City Hall. On the same day, starting at 08:20 p.m., a digital projection of the UN Global Road Safety Campaign will be displayed on the Eternal Flame building, in the presence Special Envoy Todt, Mayor Karić, and Resident Coordinator Macdonald. With this event, Sarajevo will join Brussels, New York, and other capitals in the world in promoting this important campaign.
