Morocco's Commitment to Road Safety
On July 21, 2026, during a significant event held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, emphasized the nation's dedication to incorporating road safety into its sustainable development strategies. He articulated Morocco's position at the forefront of road safety initiatives, underscoring that the country has made it a critical component of its sustainable development agenda. This statement was made during the Donor Conference for the United Nations Road Safety Fund (UNRSF), which also saw the participation of Omar Hilale, Morocco's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN.
Minister Kayouh expressed pride in Morocco's active partnership with the UNRSF, highlighting the Kingdom's role as the chair of the Advisory Council of the Fund. He asserted that Morocco remains committed to supporting the Fund's mission, which aims to save lives through international cooperation. He further elaborated that the Donor Conference extends beyond mere financial contributions; it serves as a vital platform for collaborative efforts aimed at saving more lives on the roads.
Addressing Vulnerabilities and Promoting Safety
In his address, Kayouh pointed out that motorcyclists represent one of the most vulnerable groups of road users, which is why Morocco has prioritized their safety at the national level. He recalled the launch of the Mohammed VI International Road Safety Award during the 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety held in February 2025 in Marrakech, which reflects Morocco's commitment to enhancing road safety standards. Furthermore, the Kingdom established a designated space for Road Safety at the same conference, aimed at promoting helmet use and raising awareness among motorcyclists. The distribution of helmets was also a key initiative supported by Morocco to safeguard riders.
The Donor Conference, co-organized by France, Jamaica, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, and the UN's Regional Commissions Office in New York, aimed to mobilize $10.6 million to ensure the continuity and expansion of the UNRSF's activities during the latter half of the Decade of Action for Road Safety. Taking place alongside the High-Level Meeting of the General Assembly on Road Safety, this conference was pivotal in accelerating progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Notably, the event was graced by the presence of Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
As reported by maroc.ma.
