Ministers of 11 CAREC countries (Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation) have given their endorsement to a new and ambitious road safety strategy that could greatly reduce road casualties in the region. The member countries include Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, People’s Republic of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, with Georgia participating as an observer and future member. The new strategy will therefore play a key role in addressing road safety in 5 EASST partner countries.
Download the strategy document here.
The Strategy was developed during the Second CAREC Road Safety Workshop in August in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With generous support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), EASST Director Emma MacLennan and EASST partners from the region attended and played an active role in discussions. Delegates learned from efforts being taken by non-government organizations such as EASST, HAYAT Azerbaijan, Georgian Partnership for Road Safety, “Common Roads” Kazakhstan, Public Association for Road Safety and Kyrgyz Freight Operators Association in Kyrgyzstan, Global Shapers Ulaanbaatar Hub and Young Generation of Tajikistan to support road safety actions in the CAREC region. The meeting was supported by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), who also contributed their expertise – as did iRAP on star-rating roads and the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (ASEANCAP).
The next stages will be critical, as each country takes action to deliver the new CAREC Road Safety Strategy. This includes a detailed framework of activities on each pillar of the UN Decade of Action: road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, better enforcement and safer road users, and post-crash response. The strategy includes regional collaboration in many areas – an approach that will be cost-effective for countries and help in sharing good practice. Annual monitoring will be undertaken via the CAREC programme through the Transport Sector Progress Reports.
EASST and our partners will be active in assisting with implementation and ensuring the involvement of local communities. Keep an eye on our website for reports to come!
Other links:
CAREC – 10 Actions to Make Roads Safer
Partnership for Road Safety: 2nd Road Safety Workshop, Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
EASST news archive: Developing a Regional Road Safety Strategy for Central Asia
