On 16 November 2020, Ten Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) signed a high-level joint statement on road safety, under the auspices of the World Health Organization and the United Nations Road Safety Collaboration. 

The joint statement highlights the MDBs’ aim to provide further access to safe, affordable and sustainable transport systems for all and to improve road safety, with special attention to the needs of vulnerable road users. The signatory MDBs also aim to seek synergies with other priorities, such as climate action and resilience and have announced the appointment of high-level Road Safety Champions in each institution to promote road safety.

Invited to make a statement, IRF Director General, Susanna Zammataro, stressed the need for more targeted investments for new and upgraded infrastructure. A point raised as well by the European Transport Commissioner Adina Valean also speaking at the event.

“The business case for safer roads is a very compelling one” said Susanna Zammataro. “Investments and access to adequate financing are so critical. The role of private investments will be crucial going forward to bridge the infrastructure financial gap” she added.

Visit the European Investment Bank website to access the press release and the full joint statement.