iRAP CEO Rob McInerney was present at the Transport Ministers Forum in New Delhi on Monday where global transport ministers adopted the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to effectively implement the ambitious road safety-related targets in the 2030 Agenda and welcoming discussion on the establishment of a UN Road Safety Fund.

Calling for greater efforts to reduce road traffic deaths worldwide, the United Nations envoy for road safety stressed that a proposed UN fund, along with national investments, would turn the tide of rising fatality numbers.

“If established, a global Fund would be of huge significance in the fight to turn the tide of rising fatality numbers, but only if the catalytic funding is complemented by national investments made by governments towards road safety,” Jean Todt, UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety told the ministerial world conference.

He said that road safety receives 1,000 times less than other causes with a similar fatality rate like AIDS, tuberculosis or malaria.

The proposal for a UN Road Safety Fund is now under the UN Secretary-General’s consideration and provides for the first time a clear indication of the amount of funding required to attain relevant targets under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

iRAP CEO Rob McInerney said the Delhi Declaration and inclusion of star ratings was significant, with 3-star or better roads key to attaining Sustainable Development targets.

“The institutionalisation of global and country-level policy for 3-star or better road infrastructure and the unlocking of funding to support road assessments, upgrades and designs for new roads that are safe from the get-go will be imperative.

“It is also important to build capacity in countries around the world to understand the role of safer roads and equip local stakeholders with the tools, knowledge and resources to improve the safety of their road networks.

“iRAP and its global partners are committed to these actions, and welcome the establishment of a UN Road Safety Fund. It has enormous potential to save lives,” Mr McInerney said.