Addis Ababa, 12 May 2025 – The Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Development Division of the ECA, in collaboration with the Government of Ethiopia and key development partners, marked the 8th UN Global Road Safety Week under the global campaign theme: #MakeWalkingSafe #MakeCyclingSafe. The event, held at the ECA headquarters in Addis Ababa, spotlighted the role of non-motorized transport in advancing equitable, healthy, and climate-resilient mobility across the continent.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Bareo Hassen, Minister of State for Transport & Logistics of Ethiopia, underscored the government’s deep commitment to sustainable mobility and praised ECA’s continued partnership.
He highlighted Ethiopia’s comprehensive policy framework including a 30-year transport roadmap, national integrated infrastructure standards, and ongoing efforts to promote walking and cycling through inclusive design, equity-based planning, and public engagement such as car-free days.
“Walking and cycling are not symbolic, they are practical,” he stated. “We’re already implementing our strategy in 41 cities and look forward to reaching 69 by the end of our 10-year plan.”
The event also featured a technical presentation by Mr. Robert Lisinge, Director of TICID, who emphasized the ECA’s support for road safety through policy advice, data systems, country-level assessments, and capacity-building.
Mr. Ricardo Freitas da Silva, Chief of ECA’s Security and Safety Service, echoed the importance of enforcing traffic rules both within host countries and among UN personnel. “Violations of road traffic rules and regulations are the main causes of the accidents we are experiencing. Commitment to these rules is crucial, and violations shall not be ignored or overlooked without properly addressing incidents,” he stressed.
Mr. Getachew Tegegn, Senior Transport Assistant at ECA, delivered a briefing on the importance of annual vehicle roadworthiness inspections, stating, “Ensuring that every vehicle meets roadworthiness standards promotes a safe traffic environment for all road users.”
The 8th UN Road Safety Week is a global call to make active mobility safe, accessible, and mainstreamed into urban and transport planning. Africa, with the world’s highest rates of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, faces a pressing need to act.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org