UNOPS and iRAP announce partnership to support global road safety

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) will work together to enhance support of the road safety sector by improving the quality of road infrastructure and implementing targets for road safety.

• UNOPS and iRAP have established a partnership to enhance support for the road safety sector, in line with global targets and agendas.
  
   
• The partnership aims to improve road infrastructure quality and reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on roads worldwide by implementing evidence-based tools and training.
  
   
• By collaborating on advocacy, capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and technical assistance, the partnership aims to support road safety projects globally.

UNOPS and the iRAP have signed an agreement to work together to enhance support of the road safety sector aligned to global agendas and targets for road safety, and more.  

The agreement was signed in Manila, Philippines on 13 April, with the presence of Jean Todt, United Nations Special Envoy on Road Safety and former President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), as part of the Road Safety Initiative.

The agreement will allow UNOPS and iRAP to work together in outreach and advocacy to improve global road safety, capacity-building activities, sharing and transfer of knowledge and technical assistance on projects and project implementation, among others.

Every year, around 1.23 million people are killed and nearly 50 million are injured on roadways around the world. According to the World Health Organization, there is no greater threat to the lives of people between 5 to 29 years old.

The UN has called for greater global efforts to reduce traffic deaths and injuries by half by 2030. “One of the best ways to remember and honour the victims is by doing our part to make roads safer around the world”, said UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, in his last message to mark the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, observed annually on 20 November.

In addition, the agreement will augment the mutual capacity and outreach of both organizations, allowing them to support countries towards a more comprehensive and robust road safety management and implementation approach.

Greg Smith, Global Programme Director, iRAP said:

“Through this partnership, we have an opportunity to maximize the life-saving impact of safe road infrastructure in projects around the world, supporting the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

This agreement means that countries could have support to design, inspect and receive evidence-based tools, training and support to make their roads safe”

Steven Crosskey, Director of Infrastructure and Project Management Group, UNOPS said:

“Safer road infrastructure will save lives and reduce the suffering caused by serious injuries. UNOPS has valuable expertise to help governments to increase road safety and this partnership with iRAP will enhance knowledge sharing and enable cooperation towards common road safety goals.

UNOPS is ready to get to work on this vital initiative and we are confident that our partnership will, quite literally, build the roads to a better future. ”

ENDS

Notes to the editors:

Press contact details:

communications@unops.org;

About UNOPS

UNOPS' mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more: www.unops.org

About International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP)

The International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) is a global road safety charity that works to improve road infrastructure and reduce the number of road traffic fatalities and injuries worldwide. iRAP uses a data-driven approach to assess the safety of roads, highways, and other transportation networks, identifying high-risk areas and recommending improvements that can save lives and prevent accidents. The organization works with governments, transportation agencies, and other stakeholders to prioritize road safety and improve road design, construction, and maintenance. Through its work, iRAP aims to create a world where all people have access to safe and reliable transportation, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.