#ClaimingOurSpace_The 2nd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety took place in Stockholm on the 18th of February 2020, as an official pre-event of the 3rd Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety. Young people claimed their space to safe mobility and at the decision-making table! It was the a global gathering of young people for road safety (YOURS), hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Assembly featured a full-day of programming that brought together young advocates, campaigners, and change-agents who are committed to combating road traffic injuries.

Today’s generation of young people is the largest ever in our history. Over 3 billion people – nearly half of the world’s population – are under the age of 25. Of these children and young people, more than 1000 die every day on the world’s roads. Tens of thousands more are injured. Road traffic injuries have been the leading killer of young people worldwide for over a decade, so why are youth so often not included in preventing these tragedies?

Young people have a right to be adequately informed, consulted and empowered to contribute to preventing road traffic injuries.

Youth-led organizations need to be encouraged and empowered to participate in translating the Global Goals into local, national and regional policy. They play a significant role in the implementation, monitoring and review of the Global Goals as well as in holding governments accountable. With political commitment and adequate resources, young people have the potential to make the most effective transformation of the world into a better place for all.

In their declaration, the youth of the world calls for joint and effective action at the country level towards the construction of quality, safety roads; raising the level of education and awareness for each road user; speed control on roads; implementation of a global standard on vehicle safety and environmental friendliness; compliance with traffic safety legislation; prompt and quality response to the consequences of an accident.

We strive to become a role model for future generations to imitate safe behavior on the road. Together, we will #ClaimingOurSpace, − to safe mobility and at the decision-making table, stressed the young leaders.

Global Youth Declaration on Road Safety