National Statement, delivered by Ambassador Nicola Clase, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the High-Level Meeting on Improving Global Road Safety, New York, 21 July 2026
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Madam President, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
We meet with less than five years to 2030. Our commitment is clear: to halve road traffic deaths. Now is the time to focus on implementation to achieve this goal. Allow me to therefore to convey the message to all of you today that results are possible.
Countries that act systematically and consistently see concrete results and can save lives. Sweden is one such example. Today, we have among the lowest road traffic fatality rates in the world - around 2 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants annually. This reflects long-term commitment, strong institutions, political will and close cooperation across sectors. We know what works, and we know that it can be done.
Sweden’s approach to road safety is guided by our Vision Zero, adopted by the Swedish Parliament in 1997. Its principle is simple: no loss of life is acceptable.
It is not just a slogan, but a way of thinking and acting which starts with the fundamental idea that people will always make mistakes. Transport systems must therefore be designed in such a way that mistakes do not cost lives. It rests on shared responsibility and commitment by involving government, industry, academia and civil society. That is how Sweden have made our roads safer and similar progress can be achieved everywhere.
Madam President,
Road safety does not happen in isolation. It requires a whole-of-government and -society effort by bringing together policy, infrastructure, enforcement, innovation and behavioural measures. Vision Zero provides that direction. It outlies a promise that we do not accept deaths and serious injuries in our transport system.
Road safety is not only about preventing deaths. It is about enabling safe, sustainable and accessible mobility for all. For more than five decades, Sweden, together with its world-leading road safety companies have been engaged in global road safety efforts sharing knowledge, building capacity, and promoting best practices, policies and regulations.
We have the knowledge, tools and proven solutions. Now we must focus on delivery, strengthening multisectoral coordination, accelerating implementation of proven measures, and scaling up what we know works. Sweden stands ready to support these efforts.
I thank you.
