Each year selected UN Member States are invited to conduct a review of their progress against the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs) focus on particular SDGs. In 2018, Goal 11, to “make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” has been selected.
Goal 11 is significant for road safety. Target 11.2 states, “By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.”
The reviews are voluntary and governments may choose to focus on particular aspects of and targets within the goals. Reviewing the targets has great benefits: it places focus on the work that is being done to achieve those targets, what is working well and what needs to be done better. It offers an opportunity for NGOs in their advocacy to highlight good initiatives and where more focus is needed.
Eleven Alliance member NGOs are based in countries that have been invited to conduct their review this year. These include IRVA, Ireland; LASER International, Senegal; and Fundacion NicoleWith the advice and support of FIA Foundation, those members have seized the opportunity to advocate with policy makers to ensure that target 11.2 is included in their review. In practical terms, they are doing this by writing to those contacts that they have within government that may have influence on the VNR, arranging meetings, highlighting what work has been done by the NGO and other stakeholders. They are also inviting government officials to a side event that FIA Foundation are holding at the High Level Political Forum in July where the VNRs will be presented.
Read more about the VNRs HERE.
