Road Safety and the Global Goals

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development were first adopted by world leaders in 2015 and came into force on January 1, 2016. Built on the success of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Global Goals along with their 169 more detailed targets, tackle issues such as extreme poverty and hunger, inequalities of all forms, climate change and environmental protection, as well as social needs, job opportunities, education, sustainable cities. Even if SDGs are not obligatory, governments of all countries, poorer or richer, are expected to set up their plans and strategies in order to achieve these goals by the end of 2030.

 

For the first time, two Road Safety targets are included in the SDGs, presenting this way the importance and the crucial role of this issue for a sustainable life on this planet. These targets are part of Goals number 3 (“Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages”) and number 11 (“Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”). More specifically:

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Target 3.6  – By 2020, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents

Target 11.2 - By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons