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Meetings in Algeria to learn the in-country challenges and to raise awareness of the UN Road Safety Conventions

On 30 and 31 March, the Special Envoy met with key stakeholders during his visit to Algiers, Algeria, where he presented an overview of his mandate as the Special Envoy, learned more about road safety challenges in country and offered recommendations and support. The following meetings were held:
Meeting with Mr. Salem Salhi, Director of Land and Urban Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation
Mr. Salhi provided an overview of the governance structure for road safety in Algeria and shared plans for public transportation to be significantly expanded in Algiers. The Special Envoy highlighted the importance of improved road safety governance in the country.
Meeting with Mr. El Hadi Ould Ali, Minister of Youth and Sports
The Special Envoy emphasized the impact that road traffic injuries have on children globally and encouraged the Minister to implement educational programmes. The UN Resident Coordinator in Algeria, Mrs. Cristina Amaral, who was also in attendance recommended strategies to incorporate road safety promotion in the Ministry’s work.
Meeting with United Nations Country Team
The Special Envoy presented the terms of his mandate. UN agency representatives provided an overview of road safety situation and efforts in country. UNHCR provided an overview of their “Vision Zero” Campaign. Jean Todt discussed opportunities to improve the conditions of collective transport (minbuses and buses) and transport of dangerous goods. Participants included representatives from UNDP, World Food Programme, FAO, UNICEF, UNHCR, ILO, UNFPA, UNAIDS, UNDSS, WHO, UNICRI, UN Women and the World Bank.
Meeting with Mr. Mazouz Al Hocine, Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior
The Special Envoy shared the terms of his mandate and presented the five pillars of the Decade of Action for Road Safety. Mr. Al Hocine presented his action plan to fully integrate all road safety activities within the Ministry of Interior’s Jurisdiction. They also discussed financing and road traffic safety legislature at the national level.
TV Interview with Canal Algeria
The Special Envoy appeared in the morning show of Canal Algérie, a local public television station. The Special Envoy provided comments after the screening of the Save Kids Lives movie and highlighted the important role of the media in promoting road safety.