Co-chaired by the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF) and Global Forum on Road Traffic Safety (WP1), in collaboration with the International Gender Champions (IGC) and the IPAG Business School, this hybrid side event on International Women’s Day, 8 March 17h00 – 18h00 CET, will highlight the importance of safe and sustainable transportation in Africa as a key enabler of health, wellbeing and economic growth.

Against the backdrop of Africa's fast-rising urban population and growth of megacities, milestone initiatives ranging from the Global Plan for the Second Decade of Action on Road Safety to the European Union's Global Gateway are welcome initiatives aimed at channeling investment into green, smart and safe transport in African and other developing countries.

This side event will highlight the vision, role, and lessons learned from women leaders from the African continent regarding opportunities and challenges of implementing safe and sustainable transportation solutions on the African continent.

Moderated by Mr. Matthew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General DG MOVE, European Commission; European Coordinator for Road Safety and Sustainable Mobility; and Chair of the UNRSF Advisory Board, the one-hour session will feature a keynote address by and fireside chat with H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission (AUC).

EVENT AGENDA

17h00 – Welcome: Ms. Luciana Iorio, Chair of UNECE Global Forum for Traffic Safety (WP.1); UNRSF Advisory Board member. (in-person)

17h05 – Keynote Address: H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, AUC

In the context of (WP.1) Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (84th session) and in celebration of International Women's Day, the A.U. Commissioner will deliver a live virtual keynote address on her vision on transitioning to safe and sustainable mobility in Africa. 

17h15 – Fireside Conversation:

Mr. Matthew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General DG MOVE, European Commission, and H.E. Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, AUC.

In a virtual fireside chat, Mr. Matthew Baldwin and Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid will discuss the role of the E.U. Global Gateway and other global partnerships to support Africa's transition to safer and more sustainable mobility. 

17h30 – Roundtable Discussion:

H.E. Julia Imene-Chanduru, Ambassador of Namibia in Geneva

Mrs. Akoji Perpetua Dumebi, Assistant Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration, Republic of Nigeria

Ms. Ndèye Awa Sarr,Director of Communication and Road Safety Promotion ANASER Senegal 

Ms. Priti Gautam, Senior Advisor, Office of the U.N. Secretary General's Special Envoy for Road Safety

17h55 – Closing:

Ms. Nneka Henry, Head, United Nations Road Safety Fund Secretariat