On 22 March 2021, the Special Envoy delivered opening remarks at the online Symposium on the Future Networked Car: “Moving towards automated driving” convened by the ITU and UNECE. This year, the event examined the latest advances in automated driving, vehicle connectivity and automotive cybersecurity, sharing unique insight into associated implications for technology, business and regulation.
Throughout his remarks, the Special Envoy highlighted how the pandemic has given a renewed resonance to the automated vehicle industry in the mobility world where patterns and demands have changed. With the road safety challenge and targets to be achieved during the new Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021-2030), the Special Envoy encouraged stakeholders to join efforts towards reducing the road safety disparity between developed and developing countries. Considering that COVID-19 has highlighted the opportunity to harness new technology, the Special Envoy invited organizations like the ITU and UNECE to take advantage of the changing landscape and promote lifesaving vehicle technology to those who need it most.