On 15-16 February 2025, more than 150 young leaders from over 130 countries convened in Marrakech, Morocco, for the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety. Held as an official side event of the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, this Assembly provided a dynamic platform for youth to drive the conversation and shape the future of road safety.
iRAP, a proud partner of the event, collaborated with the Abertis Foundation to lead an SDG-focused parallel session on Education and Road Safety. This session underscored the vital connection between SDG4 (Quality Education) and road safety, introducing participants to the Safe System Approach and iRAP’s Star Rating for Schools (SR4S) methodology.
Approximately 30 youth delegates participated in this interactive session, which kicked off with an icebreaker activity to foster engagement. The Abertis Foundation then outlined the Safe System Approach, while iRAP highlighted the interplay between education and road safety, emphasizing how SR4S contributes to safer school commutes globally. In low- and middle-income countries, where over 90% of road traffic deaths occur, more than half of these fatalities involve vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists. These incidents cost nations up to 3% of their GDP, deepening inequalities.
Insufficient investment in education and infrastructure, particularly in the poorest communities, restricts access to quality education, a key route out of poverty. This perpetuates socio-economic divides, heightens risks for children and youth, and hampers sustainable development. For more insights, check out YOURS’s Policy Brief on Quality Education and Road Safety here. SR4S is guiding targeted infrastructure investments that save lives and prevent serious injuries daily, while also fueling global and local advocacy for safe and equitable access to quality education.
Next, participants took part in a hands-on coding exercise, working in small groups to analyze photos of assigned school zones and identify key road safety features using SR4S. Following the exercise, participants shared their observations in a group discussion, pinpointing major risks in school zones and proposing effective interventions to enhance safety at their assigned schools. They were also introduced to the Abertis’ school road safety initiatives, SR4S Online Course and joined in celebrating the SR4S 5-Year Anniversary, inspiring continued engagement in road safety efforts.
By providing youth delegates with practical tools and real-world experience, the session bolstered their technical understanding of school road safety and empowered them to advocate for safer school journeys in their communities. This engaging and impactful session showcased how education and road safety go hand in hand, reinforcing the global commitment to creating safer environments for students and contributing to the broader goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda.
English 
Português do Brasil 
Español de Colombia 
Français 
हिन्दी