ILO to launch new estimates of universal social protection funding gaps

Tuesday, November 19,2019

GENEVA (ILO News) – A report presenting new estimates of the sums needed to achieve universal social protection in 134 developing countries around the world, will be launched on 26 November 2019 by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The report Measuring financing gaps for achieving SDG target 1.3: Global estimates and strategies for developing countries stresses that spending on coverage needs to increase dramatically to achieve universal coverage of a basic set of social protection measures, including cash transfers to children; maternity benefits for mothers with newborns; disability benefits; and old age social pensions.

The report will be launched during Global Social Protection Week  (25-28 November), at ILO headquarters in Geneva. Experts attending the meeting will agree a roadmap for the future of social protection within the framework of the ILO Centenary Declaration on the Future of Work .

EMBARGO: The report and all associated material will be under strict embargo until Monday 25 November 2019 at 21:00 GMT (22.00 CET). Embargoed copies of the report will be available to recognized media on request from 21 November 2019.

For UNOG-accredited correspondents: There will be an embargoed press briefing on Thursday 21 November 2019 at 14:00 GMT (15.00 CET) in Press Room 1 at the Palais des Nations.

Interviews by print, web or broadcast media can be scheduled via the ILO Department of Communication: newsroom@ilo.org , +4122/799-7912.

Video coverage of the press conference is available, upon request immediately following the event. The ILO TV studio and ISDN line can be booked for broadcasters wishing to interview participants by contacting the Department of Communication/Radio and TV Unit on +4122/799-7935 or multimedia@ilo.org .

Tags: social protection

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   Global Social Protection Week: Achieving SDG 1.3 and universal social protection in the context of the Future of Work  

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   ILO100

   ILO Centenary Declaration for the Future of Work, 2019 

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Postal, Telecoms Employees under NUPTE Probes President For Financial Misconduct

Helen Shok Jok. Abuja

November 18, 2019

0

6

    

Acting President NUPTE, Ghazali Akilu

The President of the National Union of Post Office and Telecommunications Employees (NUPTE), Comrade Nehemiah Buba, has been urged to submit himself for questioning following an alleged misappropriation of the Union’s funds.

Comrade Buba was suspended on the 18^th of October 2019, during the meeting of the National Administrative Council NAC of the Union.

According to NUPTE, even though the suspended President accepted his suspension and left the meeting as required, he has since not submitted himself for questioning in line with the Union’s Constitution.

Speaking to Journalists in Abuja, the Acting President of the Union, who is also the National Treasurer, Comrade Ghazali Akilu said that some of the Union’s vital properties are locked in the office of the suspended President, hindering the day to day running of the office.

“The meeting of our National Administrative Council was held on the 18th of October, in the course of the meeting as a procedure, you need to present what all our activities in between the NEC meetings, because the NAC is administering the Union in between the NEC because NEC is the highest decision making body where resolutions are made.

“In the course of our meeting, after due deliberations, the financial report was called upon, at this meeting, there were 9 National Administrative Council members, comprising the President, Deputy President, Vice President, Chairperson Women Committee who is a Vice President, the National Treasurer, the Auditor, and the three Trustees.

We had a 12-point agenda on the meeting, and the financial report was the 9th agenda, we deliberated to the 8th point agenda, where we went for a recess, after which the meeting continued. After the presentation of the financial report by the National Treasurer, observation was made, from the report, that there were some expenses regarding trips made by the suspended President Comrade Bubu,”  the Acting President said.

He said that the report indicted the President of financial offences including over blotting his claims on official trips he made.

The meeting subsequently suspended the President for three months to enable proper investigation which the President obliged having called for the motion which suspended him himself.

To the surprise of the Union, the Acting President said that Comrade Buba locked up the office, depriving access to needed documents, refused to submit himself for investigation as well as carting away the vehicles of the Union.

“Comrade Buba as a presiding officer in that meeting, he allowed the Deputy President to move a motion for his suspension, the embattled President called for a seconder to that motion as part of the ethics of the meeting. The Vice President seconded the motion for the suspension of the President for three months.

“The National Treasurer was nominated to act as President during the period of investigation. The motion was seconded by the National Auditor, there was no counter motion to that and the Deputy President duly approved that motion and all the 8 NAC members that were there nominated the National Treasurer and adopted him as the Acting President who will oversee the affairs of the union for the interim period of three months where by a committee will be set up to investigate and report which will be submitted to the National Administrative Council together with the National Executive Council who have the power to decide.

“Since that day, the Suspended President left and is nowhere to be found, he left in his possession the presidential jeep, secretariat bus, all the vouchers that were audited and found him wanted are inside our secretariat bus. He left together with those vouchers, our liaison office is locked and he left with the key, all the activities of the secretariat now are improvised…” Ghazali Akilu said.

While appealing to the suspended President to do the what he called the needful, Akilu disclosed that NUPTE is made up of both public and private sector members  and most of those in the private sector, their condition of service are renewed after two or one year, “which happens between December and January, and we are in the season of collective bargaining agreement, and we are stranded because our office is locked we can’t access our document,” he decried.

When Voice of Nigeria contacted the suspended President on phone to get his own side of the story, he said that the matter was before the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige. In his words: “ I am believing God that the Minister will resolve the matter soon, that’s all I can say for now”, Comrade Buba said.

 

UNICEF reports uneven progress in 30 years of child rights treaty ahead of World Child Day

Monday  November 18, 2019

Although the world has made historic gains over the past three decades in improving children’s lives, urgent action is required if the poorest children are to feel the impact, a new UN report published on Monday warns.

The study by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) calls on countries to recommit to promises made under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted 30 years ago.

Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, noted that while increasing numbers of children are living longer, better and healthier lives, the odds continue to be stacked against the poorest and most vulnerable.

"In addition to the persistent challenges of health, nutrition and education, children today have to contend with new threats like climate change, online abuse and cyberbullying," she said.

"Only with innovation, new technologies, political will and increased resources will we help translate the vision of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into a reality for all children everywhere."

Uneven progress, emerging threats

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely and rapidly adopted international treaty in history, and has been ratified by more than 190 countries.

It acknowledges childhood, which lasts through age 18, as a special time in which children must be allowed to grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity.　

UNICEF reported that since its adoption, the global rate for under-five mortality has dropped by around 60 per cent, while the proportion of undernourished children has almost halved.

The Convention has also influenced numerous constitutions, laws and policies that reflect its guiding principles, which include non-discrimination, the right to protection and acting in the best interests of the child.

However, the report shows that progress has not been even.

UNICEF said the world’s children continue to confront age-old threats while new hazards loom over their future.

The poorest children are still likely to die from preventable causes before reaching their fifth birthday. Millions of the most disadvantaged are still at risk due to poverty, discrimination and marginalization. At the same time, cases of the childhood killer measles are on the rise as immunization coverage rates have slowed down since 2010.

Progress in education also is dismal. The report reveals that the number of primary level children out of school has remained static for more than a decade.

"Many of those who are in school are not learning the basics, let alone the skills they need to thrive in today’s economy," UNICEF added.

In recent years, young people have been speaking up and calling for action to address climate change. UNICEF said they are the ones most at-risk.

"Rapid changes in climate are spreading disease, increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, and creating food and water insecurity. Unless urgent action is taken, the worst for many children is yet to come," the UN agency warned.

Inclusive dialogue planned

UNICEF believes that where there is political will and determination, children’s lives improve, as documented by the report, which has been released ahead of World Children’s Day on 20 November.

The study calls for more data and evidence to accelerate progress and advance child rights, alongside recommendations such as involving young people in creating solutions.

UNICEF will use the coming 12 months to promote an inclusive global dialogue aimed at making the promise of the convention a reality for all children.

As Ms. Fore, the UNICEF chief, stated: "The Convention stands at a crossroads between its illustrious past and its future potential. It is up to us to recommit, take decisive steps and hold ourselves accountable."

 SUPPORT THIS EFFORT. Email: patrickabuluose@gmail.com

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‘Childhood is changing, and so must we’, UNICEF declares, as world marks historic convention

25 September 2019

Human Rights

Since its adoption 30 years ago, the milestone Convention of the Rights of the Child and its near universal membership has created “unprecedented international solidarity around children’s rights,'' the Secretary-General said at a commemorative event an UN Headquarters on Wednesday.

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•  UN System Links Media Alert UN Journal Meetings Coverage Audiovisual Library SECRETARY-GENERAL All Statements Official Travels Press Encounters SG Twitter SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE Latest Statements Briefing Highlights Briefing Transcripts Notes to Correspondents FIND US UN News App Facebook Twitter YouTube RSS Contact UN News UNITED NATIONS A-Z Site IndexContactCopyrightFAQFraud AlertPrivacy NoticeTerms of Use Skip to main content   UNICEF reports uneven progress in 30 years of child rights treaty © UNICEF Patrick Brown Children raise their hands to answer a question in class at a UNICEF learning space in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. (8 July 2019). 17 November 2019 Human Rights Although the world has made historic gains over the past three decades in improving children’s lives, urgent action is required if the poorest children are to feel the impact, a new UN report published on Monday warns. The study by the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) calls on countries to recommit to promises made under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted 30 years ago. Henrietta Fore, UNICEF Executive Director, noted that while increasing numbers of children are living longer, better and healthier lives, the odds continue to be stacked against the poorest and most vulnerable. "In addition to the persistent challenges of health, nutrition and education, children today have to contend with new threats like climate change, online abuse and cyberbullying," she said. "Only with innovation, new technologies, political will and increased resources will we help translate the vision of the Convention on the Rights of the Child into a reality for all children everywhere." Uneven progress, emerging threats The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely and rapidly adopted international treaty in history, and has been ratified by more than 190 countries. It acknowledges childhood, which lasts through age 18, as a special time in which children must be allowed to grow, learn, play, develop and flourish with dignity.　 UNICEF reported that since its adoption, the global rate for under-five mortality has dropped by around 60 per cent, while the proportion of undernourished children has almost halved. The Convention has also influenced numerous constitutions, laws and policies that reflect its guiding principles, which include non-discrimination, the right to protection and acting in the best interests of the child. However, the report shows that progress has not been even. UNICEF said the world’s children continue to confront age-old threats while new hazards loom over their future. The poorest children are still likely to die from preventable causes before reaching their fifth birthday. Millions of the most disadvantaged are still at risk due to poverty, discrimination and marginalization. At the same time, cases of the childhood killer measles are on the rise as immunization coverage rates have slowed down since 2010. Progress in education also is dismal. The report reveals that the number of primary level children out of school has remained static for more than a decade. "Many of those who are in school are not learning the basics, let alone the skills they need to thrive in today’s economy," UNICEF added. In recent years, young people have been speaking up and calling for action to address climate change. UNICEF said they are the ones most at-risk. "Rapid changes in climate are spreading disease, increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, and creating food and water insecurity. Unless urgent action is taken, the worst for many children is yet to come," the UN agency warned. Inclusive dialogue planned UNICEF believes that where there is political will and determination, children’s lives improve, as documented by the report, which has been released ahead of World Children’s Day on 20 November. The study calls for more data and evidence to accelerate progress and advance child rights, alongside recommendations such as involving young people in creating solutions. UNICEF will use the coming 12 months to promote an inclusive global dialogue aimed at making the promise of the convention a reality for all children. As Ms. Fore, the UNICEF chief, stated: "The Convention stands at a crossroads between its illustrious past and its future potential. It is up to us to recommit, take decisive steps and hold ourselves accountable."   ♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic. ♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices. 

JUST IN:Inferno claims acting Permanent Secretary, Pregnant wife and two kids in Makurdi.

 

The Acting Permanent Secretary Ministry of Science and Technology PPeter Akaa and his family have been confirmed dead in a fire outburst that raised down their house at Quararafa Quarters Makurdi in the early hours of Monday.  

According to Ait The source of the fire is unconfirmed at the time of this report, the fire became uncontrolled at about  3am destroying properties worth millions of naira and claimed the lives of the man, his pregnant wife and two children.

Road Safety Crisis: UN calls for action to tackle ‘ubiquitous but invisible’ global road safety crisis

© Eric Ganz

Two men transport glass panels via motor scooter in Vietnam. (file)

17 November 2019

SDGs

Saving lives by improving road safety is “one of the many objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, the United Nations chief said in his message for the global day set aside for remembering the victims of traffick accidents.

Noting that more than 1.3 million people die in road accidents every year, Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that more young people between the ages of 15 and 29 die from road crashes annually than from HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis or homicide.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Facts on road traffic injuries

“The World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims is an opportunity to reflect on how we can save millions of lives,” he said.

And since 2015, his Special Envoy on Road Safety, Jean Todt, has worked to mobilize political commitment, raise awareness about UN road safety conventions, foster dialogue on good practices and advocate for funding and partnerships. 

“While the scale of the challenge is enormous, collective efforts can do much to prevent these tragedies”, the UN chief attested.

In 2018, a UN Road Safety Fund was launched to finance actions in low- and middle-income countries, where around 90 per cent of traffic casualties occur.  

And next February, a global ministerial conference on road safety will be held in Sweden to strengthen partnerships to accelerate action.

“Urgent action remains imperative”, concluded the Secretary-General. “On this World Day, I call on all to join forces to address the global road safety crisis.”

‘Ubiquitous yet invisible’

The UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) calls road traffic crashes a ‘hidden epidemic’.  

According to DSS, they have a “dramatically transformative impact” on people’s lives with most causalities remaining “almost invisible to society at large”.

Last February, with the participation of UN leaders from the Secretariat, UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and others, including the Chef de Cabinet and Special Envoy on Road Safety, the UN launched the Road Safety Strategy in New York and Geneva that showed unity and the shared message of road safety across the UN-system.

The Day has become an important tool in efforts around the world to reduce road casualties.

It offers an opportunity to draw attention to the scale of emotional and economic devastation road crashes cause and recognizes the suffering of victims and the work of rescue services.

Ending fatal road crashes are in line with the 2030 Agenda, particularly in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which encompasses good health and wellbeing and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.

Five pillars of road safety

Pillar 1:   Road safety management

Pillar 2:   Safer vehicles

Pillar 3:   Safer road user behaviour

Pillar 4:   Post-crash responses

Pillar 5:   Safer driving environment

This takes leadership in demonstrating outstanding road safety behavior every day and working together to find the best solutions.

 

♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic.

♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices.

WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS|ROAD SAFETY

LISTEN TO UN RADIO

 

• INTERVIEWS7'27"

  ‘Absolutely essential’ to put road safety top of developing ...
• THE LID IS ON26'37"

  New fund takes on 'public health emergency' of global road d...

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UN launches initiative to improve road safety worldwide

12 April 2018

SDGs

With some 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians dying each year on the world’s roads, the United Nations took a major step to address this tragedy by launching on Thursday a trust fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents.

Road safety ‘morally, economically sound investment,’ UN envoy tells global forum

13 November 2017

SDGs

Calling for greater efforts to reduce road traffic deaths worldwide, the United Nations envoy for road safety on Monday stressed that a proposed UN fund, along with national investments, would turn the tide of rising fatality numbers.

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UN calls for action to tackle ‘ubiquitous but invisible’ global road safety crisis

© Eric Ganz

Two men transport glass panels via motor scooter in Vietnam. (file)

17 November 2019

SDGs

Saving lives by improving road safety is “one of the many objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, the United Nations chief said in his message for the global day set aside for remembering the victims of traffick accidents.

Noting that more than 1.3 million people die in road accidents every year, Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that more young people between the ages of 15 and 29 die from road crashes annually than from HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis or homicide.

World Health Organization (WHO)

Facts on road traffic injuries

“The World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims is an opportunity to reflect on how we can save millions of lives,” he said.

And since 2015, his Special Envoy on Road Safety, Jean Todt, has worked to mobilize political commitment, raise awareness about UN road safety conventions, foster dialogue on good practices and advocate for funding and partnerships. 

“While the scale of the challenge is enormous, collective efforts can do much to prevent these tragedies”, the UN chief attested.

In 2018, a UN Road Safety Fund was launched to finance actions in low- and middle-income countries, where around 90 per cent of traffic casualties occur.  

And next February, a global ministerial conference on road safety will be held in Sweden to strengthen partnerships to accelerate action.

“Urgent action remains imperative”, concluded the Secretary-General. “On this World Day, I call on all to join forces to address the global road safety crisis.”

‘Ubiquitous yet invisible’

The UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) calls road traffic crashes a ‘hidden epidemic’.  

According to DSS, they have a “dramatically transformative impact” on people’s lives with most causalities remaining “almost invisible to society at large”.

Last February, with the participation of UN leaders from the Secretariat, UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and others, including the Chef de Cabinet and Special Envoy on Road Safety, the UN launched the Road Safety Strategy in New York and Geneva that showed unity and the shared message of road safety across the UN-system.

The Day has become an important tool in efforts around the world to reduce road casualties.

It offers an opportunity to draw attention to the scale of emotional and economic devastation road crashes cause and recognizes the suffering of victims and the work of rescue services.

Ending fatal road crashes are in line with the 2030 Agenda, particularly in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which encompasses good health and wellbeing and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.

Five pillars of road safety

Pillar 1:   Road safety management

Pillar 2:   Safer vehicles

Pillar 3:   Safer road user behaviour

Pillar 4:   Post-crash responses

Pillar 5:   Safer driving environment

This takes leadership in demonstrating outstanding road safety behavior every day and working together to find the best solutions.

 

♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic.

♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices.

WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS|ROAD SAFETY

LISTEN TO UN RADIO

 

• INTERVIEWS7'27"

  ‘Absolutely essential’ to put road safety top of developing ...
• THE LID IS ON26'37"

  New fund takes on 'public health emergency' of global road d...

RELATED STORIES

Road safety ‘morally, economically sound investment,’ UN envoy tells global forum

UN launches initiative to improve road safety worldwide

On Global Road Safety Week, UN health agency urges 'Save Lives: Slow Down'

NEWS TRACKER: PAST STORIES ON THIS ISSUE

UN launches initiative to improve road safety worldwide

12 April 2018

SDGs

With some 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians dying each year on the world’s roads, the United Nations took a major step to address this tragedy by launching on Thursday a trust fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents.

Road safety ‘morally, economically sound investment,’ UN envoy tells global forum

13 November 2017

SDGs

Calling for greater efforts to reduce road traffic deaths worldwide, the United Nations envoy for road safety on Monday stressed that a proposed UN fund, along with national investments, would turn the tide of rising fatality numbers.

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Skip to main content   UN calls for action to tackle ‘ubiquitous but invisible’ global road safety crisis © Eric Ganz Two men transport glass panels via motor scooter in Vietnam. (file) 17 November 2019 SDGs Saving lives by improving road safety is “one of the many objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, the United Nations chief said in his message for the global day set aside for remembering the victims of traffick accidents. Noting that more than 1.3 million people die in road accidents every year, Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that more young people between the ages of 15 and 29 die from road crashes annually than from HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis or homicide. World Health Organization (WHO) Facts on road traffic injuries “The World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims is an opportunity to reflect on how we can save millions of lives,” he said. And since 2015, his Special Envoy on Road Safety, Jean Todt, has worked to mobilize political commitment, raise awareness about UN road safety conventions, foster dialogue on good practices and advocate for funding and partnerships.  “While the scale of the challenge is enormous, collective efforts can do much to prevent these tragedies”, the UN chief attested. In 2018, a UN Road Safety Fund was launched to finance actions in low- and middle-income countries, where around 90 per cent of traffic casualties occur.   And next February, a global ministerial conference on road safety will be held in Sweden to strengthen partnerships to accelerate action. “Urgent action remains imperative”, concluded the Secretary-General. “On this World Day, I call on all to join forces to address the global road safety crisis.” ‘Ubiquitous yet invisible’ The UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) calls road traffic crashes a ‘hidden epidemic’.   According to DSS, they have a “dramatically transformative impact” on people’s lives with most causalities remaining “almost invisible to society at large”. Last February, with the participation of UN leaders from the Secretariat, UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and others, including the Chef de Cabinet and Special Envoy on Road Safety, the UN launched the Road Safety Strategy in New York and Geneva that showed unity and the shared message of road safety across the UN-system. The Day has become an important tool in efforts around the world to reduce road casualties. It offers an opportunity to draw attention to the scale of emotional and economic devastation road crashes cause and recognizes the suffering of victims and the work of rescue services. Ending fatal road crashes are in line with the 2030 Agenda, particularly in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which encompasses good health and wellbeing and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities. Five pillars of road safety Pillar 1:   Road safety management Pillar 2:   Safer vehicles Pillar 3:   Safer road user behaviour Pillar 4:   Post-crash responses Pillar 5:   Safer driving environment This takes leadership in demonstrating outstanding road safety behavior every day and working together to find the best solutions.   ♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic. ♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices. WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS|ROAD SAFETY LISTEN TO UN RADIO   INTERVIEWS7'27" ‘Absolutely essential’ to put road safety top of developing ... THE LID IS ON26'37" New fund takes on 'public health emergency' of global road d... RELATED STORIES Road safety ‘morally, economically sound investment,’ UN envoy tells global forum UN launches initiative to improve road safety worldwide On Global Road Safety Week, UN health agency urges 'Save Lives: Slow Down' NEWS TRACKER: PAST STORIES ON THIS ISSUE UN launches initiative to improve road safety worldwide 12 April 2018SDGs With some 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians dying each year on the world’s roads, the United Nations took a major step to address this tragedy by launching on Thursday a trust fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. Road safety ‘morally, economically sound investment,’ UN envoy tells global forum 13 November 2017SDGs Calling for greater efforts to reduce road traffic deaths worldwide, the United Nations envoy for road safety on Monday stressed that a proposed UN fund, along with national investments, would turn the tide of rising fatality numbers. RESOURCES Navigate the News Information for Broadcasters UN System Links Media Alert UN Journal Meetings Coverage Audiovisual Library SECRETARY-GENERAL All Statements Official Travels Press Encounters SG Twitter SPOKESPERSON'S OFFICE Latest Statements Briefing Highlights Briefing Transcripts Notes to Correspondents FIND US UN News App Facebook Twitter YouTube RSS Contact UN News UNITED NATIONS A-Z Site IndexContactCopyrightFAQFraud AlertPrivacy NoticeTerms of Use Skip to main content   UN calls for action to tackle ‘ubiquitous but invisible’ global road safety crisis © Eric Ganz Two men transport glass panels via motor scooter in Vietnam. (file) 17 November 2019 SDGs Saving lives by improving road safety is “one of the many objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, the United Nations chief said in his message for the global day set aside for remembering the victims of traffick accidents. Noting that more than 1.3 million people die in road accidents every year, Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out that more young people between the ages of 15 and 29 die from road crashes annually than from HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis or homicide. World Health Organization (WHO) Facts on road traffic injuries “The World Day of Remembrance of Road Traffic Victims is an opportunity to reflect on how we can save millions of lives,” he said. And since 2015, his Special Envoy on Road Safety, Jean Todt, has worked to mobilize political commitment, raise awareness about UN road safety conventions, foster dialogue on good practices and advocate for funding and partnerships.  “While the scale of the challenge is enormous, collective efforts can do much to prevent these tragedies”, the UN chief attested. In 2018, a UN Road Safety Fund was launched to finance actions in low- and middle-income countries, where around 90 per cent of traffic casualties occur.   And next February, a global ministerial conference on road safety will be held in Sweden to strengthen partnerships to accelerate action. “Urgent action remains imperative”, concluded the Secretary-General. “On this World Day, I call on all to join forces to address the global road safety crisis.” ‘Ubiquitous yet invisible’ The UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) calls road traffic crashes a ‘hidden epidemic’.   According to DSS, they have a “dramatically transformative impact” on people’s lives with most causalities remaining “almost invisible to society at large”. Last February, with the participation of UN leaders from the Secretariat, UN Development Programme (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and others, including the Chef de Cabinet and Special Envoy on Road Safety, the UN launched the Road Safety Strategy in New York and Geneva that showed unity and the shared message of road safety across the UN-system. The Day has become an important tool in efforts around the world to reduce road casualties. It offers an opportunity to draw attention to the scale of emotional and economic devastation road crashes cause and recognizes the suffering of victims and the work of rescue services. Ending fatal road crashes are in line with the 2030 Agenda, particularly in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which encompasses good health and wellbeing and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities. Five pillars of road safety Pillar 1:   Road safety management Pillar 2:   Safer vehicles Pillar 3:   Safer road user behaviour Pillar 4:   Post-crash responses Pillar 5:   Safer driving environment This takes leadership in demonstrating outstanding road safety behavior every day and working together to find the best solutions.   ♦ Receive daily updates directly in your inbox - Subscribe here to a topic. ♦ Download the UN News app for your iOS or Android devices. WORLD DAY OF REMEMBRANCE OF ROAD TRAFFIC VICTIMS|ROAD SAFETY LISTEN TO UN RADIO   INTERVIEWS7'27" ‘Absolutely essential’ to put road safety top of developing ... THE LID IS ON26'37" New fund takes on 'public health emergency' of global road d... RELATED STORIES Road safety ‘morally, economically sound investment,’ UN envoy tells global forum UN launches initiative to improve road safety worldwide On Global Road Safety Week, UN health agency urges 'Save Lives: Slow Down' NEWS TRACKER: PAST STORIES ON THIS ISSUE UN launches initiative to improve road safety worldwide 12 April 2018SDGs With some 1.3 million drivers, passengers and pedestrians dying each year on the world’s roads, the United Nations took a major step to address this tragedy by launching on Thursday a trust fund to spur action that could save lives and prevent the loss of opportunity associated with road accidents. Road safety ‘morally, economically sound investment,’ UN envoy tells global forum 13 November 2017SDGs Calling for greater efforts to reduce road traffic deaths worldwide, the United Nations envoy for road safety on Monday stressed that a proposed UN fund, along with national investments, would turn the tide of rising fatality numbers. 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