Launch of the Decade of Action for Road Safety in Oman

11 May 2011

Oman joined countries around the world in launching the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety on Wednesday, 11 May 2011.  The launch was prepared by a number of partners including were held with the Ministry of Health, police, ORSA, WHO and UNICEF.

The ceremony was held at the Traffic Safety Institute under the patronage of the Inspector General of Police & Customs and Chair of the National Committee on Road Safety.  Numerous high level officials representing the various stakeholders involved with road safety in Oman attended this high profile event. 

Opening speeches were given by WHO and UNICEF, the two UN agencies involved with road safety in Oman.  In her speech, WHO Representative in Oman noted that despite great efforts undertaken nationally to address road safety, much work remains to be done including addressing individual behaviour, particularly among young people. 

The Director General of Traffic of Oman provided a presentation on the overall actions that have taken place in road safety in Oman. The Ministry of Health also prepared a folder with advocacy material from the Royal Oman Police. 

Civil Society had a voice as well. The Oman Road Safety Association (ORSA), a non-governmental organization, presented their work in the area of road safety.  Moreover on 15 May, ORSA organized an event to endorse the UN Decade of Action and to mark the beginning of a campaign on “Time for Action.” 

Both events were widely covered by both the Arabic and English media.

[LINKS TO

Message by Dr Jihane Tawilah, WHO Representative in Oman

English, Arabic

Launch programme

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