Last month, the International Federation of Pedestrians (IFP) participated in the 90th session of the UNECE Global Forum on Road Traffic Safety, which took place between 10 – 14 March 2025 at the United Nations in Geneva. The Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety serves as the entity within the United Nations dedicated to improving road safety. Its primary function is to serve as guardian for the United Nations legal instruments that harmonize traffic rules and contribute to road safety by addressing the primary factors of road crashes. The Global Forum serves as a platform to support the ongoing development and promotion of road safety best practices across the world.
NGOs, like the IFP, attend the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety in a consultative status. This means, we draw from our specialized background to elevate walking as a legitimate use of public space and to support and encourage people worldwide to choose to walk.
During the 90th session, IFP was pleased to present before the Forum, on the needs and expectations for pedestrians in a future with automated vehicles. IFP shared preliminary findings from the recent public opinion survey on possible impacts of automated vehicles, a project we contributed to that was led by Pedestrian Mobility Switzerland and made possible with the support of the Modus Foundation. We underscored the need for regulations to manage the use and impacts of automated vehicles and to advocated for a future with more shared vehicles, pedestrian-friendly streets, pedestrian infrastructure, and safe speeds.
The IFP continues to play a key role in elevating the rights and needs of pedestrians in global discussions. We look forward to attending the 91st session of the Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety in September 2025, where we will continue to advocate for improved walkability and pedestrian interests.
