UN and AB InBev sign agreement to improve road safety
The transnational brewing company Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) are entering into a partnership to improve road safety and reduce traffic deaths.
Carlos Brito, chief executive officer of AB InBev and Nikhil Seth, United Nations assistant secretary-general and executive director of UNITAR, signed an agreement to that effect.
Public-private partnership
According to figures released by UNITAR, road traffic injuries claim more than 1.2 million lives each year. Globally, road accidents are the ninth leading cause of death across all age groups and they are the leading cause of death among young people aged between 15 and 29.
In an effort to counter these numbers, UNITAR and AB InBev are joining forces to set up a global public awareness initiative and build capacity with local governments and partners. The aim is to bring together leaders across sectors so they can share best practices and implement holistic, evidence-based approaches that improve road safety.
Activities will include training workshops, conferences and targeted interventions in countries where the road traffic death rates are highest.
Collective responsibility
"The private sector must play a key role in implementing measures to improve road safety. From designing road safety codes to promoting education and creating technology applications that enhance mobility and reduce traffic accidents, road safety is a collective responsibility," said Mr Nikhil Seth.
"We all live on this planet together. We all drive the same roads. We all look for opportunities to enjoy the good things in life. So it's up to all of us to ensure the safest roads. Our collaboration with UNITAR is an important public-private partnership to catalyse solutions and tackle global road safety. This builds on our commitment to address not only the safety of our fleets but also the well-being of communities where we live and work," commented Carlos Brito.
Photo: Budweiser delivery lorry in Jacksonville Beach, Florida (2016)
