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176th session of the World Forum for the Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP.29)

The Special Envoy addressed representatives of 43 Member States in attendance of the 176th Session of the WP. 29 held on 14-17 November in Geneva, expressing his appreciation for the contribution of experts from all over the world and their continuing commitment to the safety and security of vehicles. He further emphasized the proposed amendment to the 1998 Agreement, which concerns pedestrian safety protection, and expressed his support. He underscored that 270,000 pedestrians lose their lives on the roads every year, which accounts for 22 % of total road traffic fatalities worldwide. The Special Envoy concluded by highlighting and applauding the progress made for safer vehicles in the Forum, which is essential in tackling rising global road traffic fatalities. 

The World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, WP.29 is a unique worldwide regulatory forum within the institutional framework of the UNECE Inland Transport Committee, which works in conjunction with other working parties to offer a platform that enables cooperation and the exchange of information and best practices among governments. It brings together the contracting parties of the 1958, 1997 and 1998 Conventions (three out of six conventions, promoted by the Special Envoy) on the bi-annual basis, to advance vehicle safety agenda. 

Mr. Rodrigo Caudullo, Technical Coordinator, Uruguay National Road Safety Agency (UNASEV)
On 13 November on the margins of the WP.29’s 176th Session, the Special Envoy held a bilateral meeting with the representative of UNASEV. Following their meeting in Montevideo in July 2018, Mr. Caudullo reported on progress since the sub-regional workshop in Montevideo in October 2017, including the establishment of a regional technical expert group on safe vehicles and thanked the Special Envoy for his support of this initiative. The Special Envoy reiterated the importance of regional dialogue and effective measures on improving vehicle safety.