Sierra Leone Supports UN Political Declaration to Reduce Road Deaths by Half by 2030

New York, July 20, 2026—Mr. James Bagie Bio, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), joined the United Nations General Assembly in supporting a landmark global commitment to decreasing road traffic deaths and injuries. Mr Bio (Republic of Sierra Leone), speaking and voting on behalf of the Republic of Sierra Leone, said the Assembly’s overwhelming adoption of the draft resolution on “Political Declaration of the High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety” would go a long way in addressing the issue.
The vote was almost universally supported, with 162 Member States voting in favour, one against, and none abstaining. The resounding endorsement shows that the global community is now rededicated to delivering ambitious road safety targets and galvanising coordinated action in the years ahead.”
The adopted declaration reiterates the global target of at least 50 per cent reduction of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal target 3.6 and the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. Member States are encouraged to take all necessary measures to protect road users, including increased road safety education, creating a stronger safety culture and improving health literacy and public awareness campaigns. It also stresses that all road and transport infrastructure projects, whether funded internally or with international assistance, should comply with minimum safety standards.
Accountability is a big part of the answer. Member states are invited to establish mechanisms to prevent the construction or upgrading of transport infrastructure that would endanger road users. It also says safety considerations should be at the forefront of transportation planning and development, and that future projects should prioritise the well-being of drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
Mr Bagie Bio addressed the Assembly and reaffirmed the commitment of Sierra Leone to the full implementation of the laws, policies and regulations of the country aimed at improving road safety and security. He stressed that under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone remains committed to achieving the global target of reducing by half road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
Mr Bio ended by emphasising the shared nature of the challenge, stating that, “Road safety is a shared responsibility.” While we commend the efforts of all stakeholders, I want to assure this House that Sierra Leone remains committed to cutting in half road traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030 and beyond. Let us work together to honour the sacred promise of safer roads, vehicles and road users for today and tomorrow.
“The adoption of the political declaration is a major milestone in the global movement to save lives on the world’s roads and further cements Sierra Leone’s status as an engaged partner in the advancement of international road safety goals.