THE First Global Ministerial Road Safety Conference held November in Moscow attracted about 1,500 participants including more than 70 ministers of Transport, Health and Interior and other senior government officials from 150 countries.

According to reports from the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), the historic “Moscow Declaration” was adopted at the close of the event, inviting the UN General Assembly to declare a Decade of Action for Road Safety, starting in 2011.

The document also encourages further implementation of the recommendations of the World report on road traffic injury prevention; calls for particular efforts to address the needs of road users; as well as promotes the harmonisation of road safety and vehicle safety regulations and good practices.

The Moscow Declaration cites the need for improvement in emergency trauma care systems; and requests additional funding from the international development community, especially for low-income and middle-income countries. The United Nations, World Bank, World Health Organisation and the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile Foundation (FIA Foundation) were the chief organisers and sponsors of this Conference.

Jamaica was represented by Transport Minister Mike Henry and vice-chairman of the NRSC Dr Lucien Jones. Other members of the delegation to the conference included NRSC executive director Paula Fletcher, general manager Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS) Earl Jarrett; Deputy Commissioner of Police Charles Scarlett; and acting general manager of the Jamaica Automobile Association Emile Spence.

JNBS is a co-sponsor of the NRSC’s Save 300 Lives Project.