Leaders Gather in Morocco for a New Road Safety Commitment

The 4th Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety, held in February 2025 in Marrakech, Morocco, convened leaders and experts under the theme ‘Commit to Life.’ The conference aimed to accelerate progress toward the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of halving global road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030. 

A key highlight of the conference was the unanimous adoption of the Marrakech Declaration for Global Road Safety, endorsed by ministers, delegations, and representatives from both the public and private sectors. The document emphasizes a global commitment to prioritizing road safety, focusing on policies, increased funding, technological advancements, and collaboration to enhance road safety worldwide. 

The declaration outlines several calls to action and commitments, such as: 

• Express the need for the increase of public and private financing, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries.
• Strengthening speed limit management and improving road infrastructure.
• Promoting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies to enhance road safety measures.
• Encourage businesses and industries to integrate road safety into their work environment management, comply with legal road safety requirements, and implement safety management systems.
• Advocating for increased data collection and performance monitoring.
• Promoting road safety education in schools and training for young drivers. 

The Johns Hopkins International Injury Research Unit (JH-IIRU) was honored to participate in the conference, where we contributed to critical discussions. Our team led sessions on post-crash care response and rehabilitation, emphasizing the importance of timely emergency interventions. We also highlighted evidence gaps and research priorities, stressing the need for data-driven strategies to inform policy decisions.  

A major focus of the conference was the safety of powered two- and three-wheelers (PTWs), a widely used mode of transport worldwide. As part of these discussions, JH-IIRU presented groundbreaking findings on motorcycle safety and potential policy interventions in Latin America. The PTWs Technical Advisory Group, convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February 2024 and chaired by JH-IIRU Director Dr. Abdul Bachani, gathered to explore strategies for improving safety among motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users worldwide. Additionally, JH-IIRU’s Dr. Andres Vecino led a robust discussion on PTW safety, addressing risks, policies, and solutions while emphasizing evidence-based interventions and the need for stronger safety measures. 

To further strengthen connections among Global Road Safety Leadership Course (GRSLC) alumni, JH-IIRU hosted a lunch reception that brought together over 50 former participants. The event provided a valuable platform for networking with global and regional colleagues while discussing their contributions to advancing road safety in their respective cities. 

As road traffic crashes remain a leading cause of death globally, the need for urgent action is more pressing than ever. This burden is especially heavy in low- and middle-income countries, where resources, road policing, and infrastructure often fall short. In this context, the Marrakech Declaration represents a significant step forward in strengthening global collaboration and accelerating action toward safer, more sustainable roads.