The 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety concluded on February 20, 2025, in Marrakech, Morocco, bringing together policymakers, experts, and advocates to accelerate progress toward safer roads worldwide, including IRF Young Professional leaders.

Ray Adrian Macalalag, the IRF Young Professional Leader for Communications, played a key role as a Global Youth Mobility Ambassador at the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety, held on 15-16 February 2025, just before the ministerial conference.

Representing the Western Pacific Region, Macalalag spoke in a regional panel discussion on youth advocacy, where he encouraged young engineers to specialise in transportation and road safety. As an engineer, Macalalag encouraged young civil engineers present to specialise in transportation, particularly in road safety, public transport, and sustainable mobility. He emphasised that beyond the pride associated with constructing the tallest tower or the longest bridge, the most noble endeavor is to design and build roads that save lives.

Tendekayi Marapara, the IRF Young Professional Leader for Memberships, highlighted the urgency of continued action, stressing that young people remain the most affected by road crashes.

“We know that 1.2 million lives are lost on our roads every year, with young people being the most affected demographic. But what we do now and in the future will determine whether we can reduce these numbers,” Marapara said.

He called for continued collaboration and accountability among stakeholders, emphasising that o new and old contacts alike, we should keep the momentum high. Marapara also addressed policymakers directly, urging them to reflect on the human impact of road crashes, asking, “How important is human life to you?”

Both Macalalag and Marapara helped facilitate the IRF’s parallel session “Safe Road Infrastructure: Safe Road Design,” reinforcing the importance of integrating youth perspectives into infrastructure planning.

As the conference concluded, participants reflected on the commitments made and the work ahead to ensure safer roads for all. Marapara urged fellow young advocates to remain engaged, saying, “To my fellow young people, let’s keep claiming our space.” Looking ahead, Macalalag remains committed to translating discussions into action, concluding, “To saving lives – now and beyond Marrakech!”.