Marrakech: On February 18-20, Marrakech will host the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, a major event bringing together decision-makers, experts, economic stakeholders, and representatives of civil society organizations, to respond to an emergency behind over 1.19 million deaths yearly.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, Morocco’s National Road Safety Agency (NARSA) states that the conference aims to promote innovative solutions and enhanced cooperation on an international scale. Morocco is recognized as a regional model in road risk management, with an integrated strategy combining investment in modernized infrastructure, strengthened regulations, and large-scale awareness campaigns.
These strategies align with the objectives of the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030) and have contributed to significantly reducing the number of fatal accidents. At the conference, Morocco will share its best practices, focusing on South-South cooperation to pool resources and know-how.
T
he conference is set against a backdrop of profound regional disparities. In Africa, the road mortality rate can reach 19 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, almost three times higher than in Europe. Inadequate infrastructure, non-compliance with regulations, and a lack of resources for prevention and education are among the challenges to be addressed to reduce these inequalities.
Minister of Transport and Logistics Abdessamad Kayouh emphasized that road safety is fundamental to individual opportunities and sustainable development, calling for a radical shift in efforts to reduce road deaths and ensure safe mobility for all. He highlighted the Marrakech Declaration’s focus on applying proven solutions to prevent road deaths.
Etienne Krug, Director of WHO’s Department of Social Determinants of Health, noted that road deaths are preventable, and making roads safe is achievable. He stressed the importance of urgent action and the commitments made by leaders to save more lives, acknowledging that much remains to be
done.
The conference will address strategic themes such as public policy, governance, inter-ministerial coordination, legislative frameworks, and technological innovations like autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence. Emphasis will be placed on sustainable and inclusive mobility, aiming for safe transport accessible to all, focusing on facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.
Road accidents present a significant economic challenge, costing around 3% of the world’s GDP annually, particularly impacting low and middle-income countries, which account for 90% of fatalities. The conference aims to elevate road safety on the global political agenda and drive commitments to make mobility a safe driving force for progress.