Marrakech, the iconic city of Morocco, is hosting the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety from February 18 to 20, 2025. This major international event, inaugurated by Morocco’s Head of Government, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, brings together policymakers, experts, and key road safety stakeholders from around the world. The goal? To strengthen international cooperation and mobilize joint efforts to reduce road fatalities and injuries.
A Concerning Reality: Over 1.19 Million Deaths Annually
The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Ghebreyesus, set the tone in his speech by highlighting the magnitude of the challenge ahead. Each year, road accidents claim more than 1.19 million lives worldwide—an unacceptable figure. According to him, it is essential “to implement public policies based on scientific data and ensure adequate funding for secure infrastructure.”
“Addressing these challenges requires a shared vision and coordinated efforts on an international scale. Strengthening international cooperation, exchanging best practices, and leveraging the Sustainable Development Goals as a means to enhance road safety are crucial.
We hope that the Marrakech Declaration will be future-oriented, adopting innovative and ambitious measures to tackle present and future road safety challenges worldwide,” stated Mr. Aziz Akhannouch.
The Head of Government of the Kingdom of Morocco also emphasized the country’s central role in combating road accidents and the importance of this event in strengthening global cooperation to save lives.
The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, advocated for a coordinated approach among governments, international institutions, and private sector stakeholders to significantly reduce road accidents and fatalities.
Marrakech: A Hub of Ideas for a Safer Future
Participants in the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety will address key topics such as infrastructure improvements, public awareness, regulatory enforcement, and the integration of new technologies for safer mobility.
The Marrakech Declaration, to be adopted at the conclusion of this conference, aims to outline an ambitious roadmap for the coming years. It is expected to include innovative measures to tackle current and future road safety challenges while leveraging the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a tool for improvement.
