On September 11, 2025, the Asia-Pacific Road Safety Observatory (APRSO) held its Annual General Meeting at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters in Manila, Philippines. 17 focals of member countries attended the meeting, which was hosted under the chairmanship of Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Nepal, who sits as Chairperson of the APRSO Steering Committee. 

Notably, the members endorsed a new Strategic Plan that places the “Safe System” approach at the heart of regional road safety efforts. The new strategy, meant to guide the direction of the APRSO for the next decade, i.e., 2026-2035, was developed in partnership with BM Limited and specifically through the efforts of Dr. Soames Job. The strategy, which identifies priority areas and opportunities for action by the APRSO, puts specific focus on support needed by member countries for crash data systems, the Observatory will go further by supporting member countries to: broaden road safety related data collections beyond crash data, to improve country capacity, systems, management, leadership, resources, communication and persuasion of road safety opportunities to influence decisions on funding, in order to ensure effective, evidence-based and data-driven road safety delivery. 

Key Developments

• New Strategic Vision Approved: APRSO members endorsed the Observatory’s strategy to scale up support on data, capacity building, and collaborative solutions, with the Safe System framework now formally integrated.
• Innovation in Road Safety Data: Members welcomed new approaches to tackling persistent data gaps, including the use of advanced technologies and creative data sources to generate faster, more reliable insights. For this, initiatives shared by partners from Asian Transport Observatory and Agilysis were helpful.

• Powered Two-Wheelers in the Spotlight: Recognizing the high share of motorcycle- and scooter-related crashes in the region, members backed the concept of a Global Centre of Excellence for Powered Two-Wheelers—a first-of-its-kind initiative to close a critical gap in global road safety leadership.
• Member country updates. Focals from Nepal, Cambodia, Fiji, Papu New Guinea, and Pakistan shared significant updates regarding the progress of road safety delivery in their respective countries.
  • APRSO Nepal focal Mr. Sushil Babu Dhakal shared updates on a Road Safety Policy and forthcoming Road Safety Bill, which will empower the National Road Safety Council with legal autonomy and a stronger coordination mandate. He also reported country progress in implementing its Safe Corridor Demonstration Program, supported by the World Bank, covering 250 km of strategic roads with new safety barriers, footpaths, and traffic-calming measures.
  • Cambodia focal Mr. Sattya Boran, Deputy Director of the country's Road Traffic Safety Department, shared that the country is advancing a new data collection system, including a mobile reporting app, and is preparing to ratify the 1958 Agreement to align with global vehicle safety standards. Other significant achievements include creating national guidelines for safe school zones, launching pedestrian-only “walking streets” on weekends, and drafting technical standards for safer road infrastructure and furniture.
  • Fiji's Ms. Aseri Driu, Acting Director Transport, Department of Transport Planning, Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, outlined interventions under the country's national road safety program, addressing key risks such as non-standard motorcycle helmets, school bus safety compliance, and illegal vehicle modifications. Ms. Driu mentioned key amendments to the Land Transport Act 1998 have introduced a two-tier licensing system to strengthen driver discipline and reduce high-risk behaviours.
  • Papua New Guinea focal Mr. Roy Mumu, Senior Transport Advisor, Department of Transport shared extensively about the country's Connect PNG Plan 2020–2040, which integrates road safety within broader national transport and development priorities.
  • Pakistan through focal Syed Minhas Mahmood, Deputy Secretary, Roads, Ministry of Communications, reported strong enforcement progress, including a ban on overloaded vehicles since November 2023 and 99% completion of highway fencing, reducing animal- and pedestrian-related crashes. He also shared about plans that are underway to expand iRAP assessments across national highways to guide future safety investments.

Looking Ahead 

Beyond technical discussions, the meeting also emphasized broadening the Observatory’s membership. APRSO will now invite engagement from academia, civil society, and the private sector, ensuring a more diverse community of practice to accelerate progress. 

The Annual Meeting closed with a clear message: road safety cannot wait. By adopting a stronger strategy, embracing innovation, and expanding partnerships, APRSO and its members are taking decisive steps toward saving lives and building safer road-based transport systems across Asia and the Pacific.