The International Road Federation (IRF) had an impactful week at the 4th Ministerial Conference on Road Safety (15 – 21 February 2025) in Marrakech, hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Morocco’s National Road Safety Agency (NARSA). Held midway through the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021–2030, the conference addressed the urgent need to halve global road deaths by 2030—a target achievable through proven strategies, as demonstrated by 10 countries that have already reduced fatalities by 50%. 

Throughout the conference, IRF hosted fruitful interactions at its busy exhibition booth, and co-hosted four well-attended sessions, each drawing full rooms of policymakers and experts.

On 16 February, At the 3rd World Youth Assembly for Road Safety—organised by the Global Youth Coalition for Road Safety and WHO—IRF and Abertis led a workshop on integrating safe road design and operations into sustainable mobility systems. IRF Young Professionals contributed to discussions in this session, creating an engaging platform where young voices enriched debates on road infrastructure. 

With over 150 participants in attendance, a dedicated side event with iRAP and PIARC highlighted the Ten Step Plan for Safer Road Infrastructure, an adaptable framework for countries to implement according to their capacity. Designed to support the UN Global Framework Plan of Action for Road Safety (GFPA) and UN legal instruments, the plan aims to improve road safety management and road infrastructure as a whole. It serves as a guide for countries to meet Global Targets 3 and 4, which mandate three-star safety ratings for new roads and safer upgrades for 75% of existing roads by 2030. The framework is currently being implemented through the Ten Step Senegal Project. An example of the framework’s success is the Tanzania Ten Step Plan Project, which was awarded a 2023 Prince Michael International Road Safety Award and, more recently, the Gary Liddle Award, presented to TANROADS.

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IRF also co-hosted a cross-country roundtable discussion with over 100 attendees, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA). Leaders and representatives from international bodies like Malick Pallen representing the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Marisela Ponce de León Valdés from Africa Transport Policy Program (SSATP) and Debbie Cousins from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) discussed the UN Road Safety Fund Safe & Inclusive Road Design in North and West Africa project to update road standards in Morocco, Senegal and Mauritania. The initiative prioritises protecting vulnerable users through updated safe road design practices and geometric design guidelines and regional collaboration. A similar framework is also being applied to the Safe & Inclusive Road Design initiative in Central Asia.

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Practical Tools for Safer Roads

While design standards are essential, they must be complemented by strong road safety operations to be truly effective. In a parallel session with PIARC, IRF highlighted the importance of integrating measures such as road safety audits and speed management to prevent fatalities. The discussion also emphasised the need for institutional capacity building, political commitment, and sustainable financing to make road safety a priority at every level.

Leaders like Frank Tayali, Minister of Transport and Logistics of Zambia, explored the challenges and opportunities in developing and maintaining safe road infrastructure, focusing on practical solutions, financial constraints, and the role of international support in strengthening institutions.

Recognising the need for stronger road safety operations, IRF is taking concrete steps to build capacity and enhance road safety. At the close of the Conference, IRF announced a partnership with Australia’s National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) to train and provide international accreditation to road safety auditors in Australasia. This collaboration builds on the International Registry for Road Safety Auditors, launched by IRF and TotalEnergies in October 2024, which standardises auditor qualifications worldwide to ensure consistency in safety assessments. By equipping auditors with the necessary skills, this initiative reinforces the role of audits and inspections in identifying risks throughout the lifecycle of road projects, ultimately reducing crashes and saving lives.