China: An upper-middle-income country with a population of 1.42 billion. In 2021, the estimated rate per 100 000 population was 17.4 (WHO, 2023). China has acceded to 1 of the 7 UN road safety legal instruments.
During the trip to Guilin, the Special Envoy delivered a speech at the Road Safety Promotion Campaign organized by Meituan and Esquel. Moreover, the Special Envoy participated in the China-ASEAN Mayors Forum, an annual gathering contributing to our shared future, fostering mutual prosperity, and strengthening the bonds within the community. Lastly, the Special Envoy gave a keynote address at the UN Global Compact SDG Innovation Accelerator ceremony, through which he commended the 2024 Accelerator program as it holds great promise, particularly with its emphasis on sustainable transportation and infrastructure.
In Shanghai, the Special Envoy met with Mr. Yue Gu, Chairman and Executive Director, China Pacific Property Insurance Company Limited. Furthermore, the Special Envoy visited the Tongji University and the Shanghai Research Center of Smart Mobility and Road Safety, led by Dr. Jenny Yao, Deputy Chief Engineer and Professor of Tongji University Design Group. On the last day, the Special Envoy attended a road safety roundtable organized by the UN Global Compact in China, under the leadership of Ms. Meng Liu, Head of Office.
Throughout the mission to Beijing, the Special Envoy had the opportunity to meet with the UN Country Team led by the Resident Coordinator, Mr. Siddharth Chatterjee, and also to discuss with the private sector stakeholders during a forum organized on the occasion of the Special Envoy’s travel. He also attended an event organized by H.E. Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, Ambassador of France in China.