Executive Director's Spotlight on the FIA Foundation

This month, it’s a privilege to spotlight the remarkable work of the FIA Foundation, a key partner in the PMNCH Donor and Foundations constituency. Dedicated to promoting safe, sustainable, and healthy mobility for all, the FIA Foundation has been striving since its establishment in 2001, to address the issues of road traffic injuries, air quality, climate action, and youth empowerment.  

A vibrant and energetic event, the ‘Raahgiri’ street day, took place in Delhi, India on June 18th, hosted by the FIA Foundation alongside their local partner in India, the Raahgiri Foundation, as well as PMNCH and other partners. This event promoted the 1.8 Billion Young People for Change campaign and marked the beginning of a series of G20 events leading up to the SDG Summit and the Global Forum for Adolescents. The Raahgiri Foundation partners with state and city governments, educational institutes, civic society groups and others to organize educational and engagement activities around road safety and air pollution. Their mission is to work with cities to prioritize non-motorized, sustainable, inclusive, and emission-free transport.      

The dynamic youth-led event increased awareness, inspired youth, and fostered connections on pressing issues affecting the health and well-being of adolescents and youth. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and youth aged 5-19 worldwide. In a world that is constantly advancing, it’s alarming that such a basic aspect of life - the act of moving from one place to another - holds such a significant risk for younger generations. Addressing this, the FIA Foundation’s action plan includes promoting safe walking and cycling paths and advocating for lower traffic speed limits of 30km/h on streets frequented by school-going children. Another key focus area is climate action as more than 300 million children are exposed to dangerously polluted air every day. Collaborating closely with PMNCH on the 1.8 campaign, the FIA Foundation is committed to amplifying the voices and innovative ideas of young individuals within the policy-making sphere. The goal is to ensure these ideas resonate globally, influencing key decisions and shaping a safer, healthier future. 

Special thanks to Avi Silverman, Deputy Director of the FIA Foundation and Vice Chair of the PMNCH Donors and Foundations constituency. Avi has played a pivotal role in the development and growth of the Adolescent Well-being Initiative, the Global Consensus Statement on Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement (MAYE), and the 1.8 campaign as a member of the Global Coordination Committee and Political Advocacy teams. His leadership, vision, and commitment to global advocacy for adolescents and youth has been instrumental for youth participation and empowerment. 

To learn more, visit www.fiafoundation.org and follow them on Twitter @FIAFdn and instagram @fia_fdn.