By Tina George, Minna
The Youth for Road Safety (YOURS) and the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety have enhanced the skills of youth leaders in 18 countries in tackling road traffic crisis.
The the biggest killer of young people globally. ad traffic crashes have been attributed to road crashes.
Young leaders from 18 countries, totalling 23, participated in the first youth leadership retreat, which held in Madrid, Spain.
The four-day intensive training helped the participants to maximize their leadership and practical advocacy skills to demand and deliver road safety and sustainable mobility globally and locally.
The Director of the Department of Social Determinants of Health at the World Health Organization (WHO), Etienne Krug noted that the youth leadership retreat on road safety, which is the first, was an excellent occasion for youth leaders from 18 countries to enhance skills, build networks, and chart ways to contribute that fully engage them in all aspects of the decision-making process.
“There is no more deadly threat to young people than a road traffic crash; as such, it is only fitting that young people are at the heart of rethinking mobility and creating safe and sustainable mobility”, he said.
The Executive Director of YOURS, Raquel Barrios emphasized the importance of meaningful youth participation in addressing the global road safety crisis saying that the retreat aims to be a transformative experience for the participants.
She also states that the retreat would help improve the participants’ understanding, dedication, and passion for creating safer roads and sustainable communities globally.
“We are excited to bring together 23 talented young leaders dedicated to changing the road safety reality they have inherited and that is affecting their lives. At YOURS, we assert that meaningful youth participation is essential if we want to address the global road safety crisis and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Therefore, we are investing in young leaders, so they can continue acquiring new skills, expanding their networks, and creating stronger connections that will enable them to lead with renewed vigor and passion.”
A member of the Leadership Board for the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety, Simon Obi said that the training had reenergized and empowered him to further advance the cause of youth road safety and sustainable mobility.
“I believe that the leadership training holds the promise of not only equipping me with valuable skills and knowledge, but its positive influence will also permeate our broader road safety endeavors at GreenLight Initiative in Nigeria and Africa.”
