The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), or the International Automobile Federation, has announced the launch of 17 road safety projects across 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, including Bangladesh.

The projects were presented on Thursday (16 July) during a graduation ceremony for 36 participants from FIA member clubs and government authorities across the region who took part in the FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme.

Bangladesh is participating in the initiative through a project titled Road Accident Central Database, involving the Automobile Association of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Planning.

The FIA Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life programme is an FIA University initiative delivered in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, with support from the FIA Foundation.

The programme brings together FIA member clubs and government authorities to build capacity, share knowledge and develop practical road safety projects aimed at improving safety for all road users.

The projects address road safety challenges in Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Participants completed 120 hours of e-learning covering 56 topics, attended three in-person seminars and developed their projects with guidance and mentorship from international road safety experts.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said road safety is "not an abstract issue," but a real and urgent challenge.

"Too many people are losing their lives on roads across Asia Pacific and that is why this programme matters," he said.

"Our Member Clubs are not only advocates of safer mobility, but drivers of real-world change. Their dedication to saving lives is an inspiration to us all and we look forward to seeing these initiatives grow," he added.

FIA Region II President Augustus Joe Ferreria said the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most diverse regions in the world, with road users facing unique safety challenges every day.

"These projects demonstrate the breadth of expertise across our network, and I am proud to see the FIA Region II community taking the lead in developing innovative road safety solutions," he said.

Alex Mejía, director of UNITAR's Division for People and Social Development, said participants have shown remarkable dedication throughout the programme.

"By collaborating across sectors and organisations, participants have created a road safety network across Asia-Pacific, committed to delivering safer mobility systems in their countries," he added.

FIA Foundation acting executive director Avi Silverman said the projects show how evidence-based action could address real-world road safety needs.

"We look forward to seeing these projects continue to grow and develop as they help inform the future of road safety across the region and save lives," he said.