Excellencies, distinguished guests, honored award recipients: It is with pride and appreciation that I welcome you to the official opening of the Kofi Annan Road Safety Award Ceremony. This is a celebration not only of achievements but also of the commitment of individuals, organizations, and governments that have made strong and invaluable contributions to improving road safety in Africa.
Kofi Annan was a visionary leader who understood that road safety is not only a technical issue: it is a moral imperative, a matter of social justice, and a fundamental right. He campaigned for the causes of safety and development, and we now honor that work by recognizing those who embody his values of leadership, innovation, and dedication to human dignity.
The recipients of these awards have shown that change is possible. They have introduced pioneering policies, promoted safer infrastructure, cultivated partnerships, and used technology to save lives.
But while we celebrate, we must also reaffirm our commitment to action. The scale of road fatalities in Africa remains unacceptable. Especially when we know what works: strong laws, effective enforcement, safe infrastructure, and well-funded road safety programs. Attention to creating a sustainable environment both on the road and around it is also essential to our success. But what we need most of all is the resolve to apply these solutions at scale, with urgency and purpose.
We are grateful that, this year, the UN-JCDecaux Global Road Safety campaign is being displayed during this event, reminding us that awareness and influence are important tools in changing behaviors and shaping norms. With voices like Michelle Yeoh, Didier Drogba, Youssou N’Dour, and Sibusiso Matsenjwa, national Olympic Champion - the campaign helps bring global attention to this otherwise silent pandemic.
To the award winners, I offer my congratulations. Your achievements are inspiring. Your work shows that with commitment, innovation, and collaboration, we can make a difference in road safety. Your efforts also show that the legacy of Kofi Annan’s leadership and political will continue to guide us.
I would like to take this opportunity to again express my gratitude to the Kingdom of Eswatini for hosting this event. Your dedication to road safety, as shown by the adoption of the national Road Safety Strategy and the establishment of the Center of Excellence in Road Safety, is exemplary.
Together, we can achieve the vision of the second Decade of Action for Road Safety and turn ambition into reality. The recipients of this award have also shown that progress is not just a dream, but can be achieved. That by embracing digitalization, securing sustainable financing, and making the safety of vulnerable road users a priority, we can make a tangible difference.
But we must never forget all the work that still lies before us. We must continue to advocate for increased funding, to promote evidence-based strategies, and to hold policymakers accountable. The Kofi Annan Road Safety Award encourages governments, the private sector, and civil society to develop and implement innovative solutions.
Remember, road safety is, above all, about human rights. It means protecting the lives and livelihoods of the people of Africa, creating a safer, more equitable future for all. Thank you.