The Special Envoy travelled to Manama, Bahrain from 27 to 28 March 2021 and held bilateral meetings with government stakeholders. During these discussions, the Special Envoy informed about new global targets and encouraged safer transport in Bahrain and the Arab region. The Special Envoy appreciated the Government’s commitment on road safety, with recent reported decreases in road traffic fatalities and contribution to the UNRSF in 2020. The Special Envoy encouraged developing a National Road Safety Strategy and Action plan in line with the global targets, including accession to the remaining UN road safety conventions, and advocated for future contributions to the UNRSF.
The Special Envoy met with the following officials in Bahrain:
o H.E. Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior;
o H.E. Engineer Mr. Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications;
o H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Furthermore, on 28 March 2021, the Special Envoy had a hybrid meeting with the UNCT in Bahrain to discuss the road safety situation in the country, with its challenges and the required support. The Special Envoy informed of the global problem as well as road safety targets in the SDGs. The Special Envoy shared a joint letter sent by Special Envoy, WHO ASG, and ESCWA Executive Secretary, to all Resident Coordinators in the region, highlighting UN efforts including the UN Road Safety Strategy, the UNRSF and the UN road safety conventions.
In conclusion, the Special Envoy encouraged close collaboration and support to the Government of Bahrain in achieving national and regional road safety goals, in developing a new National Road Safety Plan 2021-2030 as well as in acceding to the remaining UN legal instruments on road safety.
Led by Mr. Mohamed El Zarkani, UN Resident Coordinator in Bahrain, UNCT was represented by: UN-Habitat, UNIDO, WHO, UNODC for Gulf Cooperation Council Region, WMO, ESCWA, UNEP.
