The International Road Federation (IRF) joined more than 200 stakeholders at the recent Regional Road Safety Seminar and Asia-Pacific Road Safety Observatory Annual Meeting, held at the ADB Headquarters in Manila on 5 – 7 December.

Hosted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Road Safety Observatory (APRSO) and the Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP), this key regional seminar on road safety welcomed a diverse body of stakeholders including government representatives, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and civil society organisations.

Under the theme “Implementing the Global Plan of Action” the event served as a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, fostering dialogue on key topics in road safety relevant to Asia and the Pacific. With a focus on evidence-based policy and decision-making, discussions addressed major road safety trends and challenges specific to the region. Notably, the event explored the implementation of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action on Road Safety 2021-2030, spotlighting the role and challenges faced by road safety lead agencies.

Role and Challenges for Road Safety Lead Agencies 

IRF Director General, Susanna Zammataro, animated a panel of high-level speakers for the plenary session “Implementation of the Global Plan in Asia and the Pacific: Role and Challenges for Road Safety Lead Agencies”. The session delved into the challenges and opportunities associated with the Global Plan’s implementation, offering valuable perspectives on the role of road safety lead agencies in the region.

Gender Perspective in Transport Planning

IRF Director General contributed to the session titled “A Gender Perspective in Transport Planning”. This facilitated workshop addressed gender issues relevant to road safety, featuring a fishbowl discussion and breakout groups. ” Women and men often have different travel patterns, with women more likely to use public transportation, walk, or rely on non-motorized modes of transport” said Zammataro. “Women may face a higher risk of violence, harassment, or assault during their journeys, particularly in areas with poor street lighting, isolated spaces, or unreliable public transportation services. Lack of safe and gender-sensitive infrastructure can further exacerbate these risks. We must adress this” she added. The breakout groups discussion covered topics such as equity in mobility and access, sex-disaggregated data and analysis in road safety, gender-based differences in road use and safety, and policy development tools.