El Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has announced the launch of 17 road safety projects across 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region through its FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme, an FIA University initiative delivered in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and supported by the FIA Foundation. The projects were unveiled at a graduation ceremony for 36 participants from FIA Member Clubs and government authorities who completed the programme.
Designed to build road safety leadership and strengthen local capacity, the programme brings together FIA Member Clubs and government agencies to develop practical, evidence-based initiatives that address some of the region’s most pressing road safety challenges. The 17 projects span Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
A key component of the programme was an intensive learning and mentorship journey. Participants completed 120 hours of e-learning covering 56 road safety topics, attended three in-person seminars, and developed project proposals with support from international road safety experts.
As part of this effort, Albin Tharakan, former Road Safety Engineer at iRAP, and Minh Vo, Sustainable Mobility Coordinator at iRAP, served as mentors to teams from Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City). Drawing on their experience in Safe System and evidence-based road safety approaches, they worked closely with participants to strengthen project concepts, refine implementation strategies, and adapt international best practice to local contexts.
Reflecting on the programme, Minh Vo said:
“Every successful road safety initiative begins with people who are willing to challenge the status quo and work together towards a common purpose. It has been a privilege to mentor the teams from Japan and Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City) as they developed innovative solutions tailored to their communities. Their willingness to test new ideas and adapt global best practices to local realities has produced a strong portfolio of projects with the potential to deliver measurable road safety benefits across the region.”
The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme demonstrates the importance of investing in people as a foundation for safer roads. By combining technical training, peer learning, mentoring and practical project development, the programme is helping create a new generation of road safety champions equipped to deliver lasting change in their communities.
The involvement of iRAP mentors reflects our commitment to supporting capacity building and evidence-based road safety action worldwide. Through knowledge sharing, technical guidance and collaboration with local stakeholders, iRAP continues to help partners develop safer road systems that save lives and prevent serious injuries.