Panel discussion on the safe system approach for road safety

On Thursday 23 October, the Office of the Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability in collaboration with Dr Thérèse Bajada, Senior Lecturer at the Institute for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, hosted a panel discussion about the Safe System Approach for Road Safety.

Dr Thérèse Bajada chaired the session which was introduced by Pro-Rector Prof. Valerie Sollars followed by presentations and contributions of four panelists including Dr Jonathan Joslin (Emergency Department, Mater Dei), Dr Jeannette Axisa (Transport Malta), Mr Adrian Galea (Malta Insurance Association) and Dr Simon Micallef (Doctors for Road Safety).

Addressing UN’s SDG 3.6 halving global road-traffic deaths and injuries by 2030 and SDG 11.2 providing access to safe, sustainable transport systems

The event proved to be a compelling and impactful gathering of key stakeholders committed to improving road safety in Malta and aligning with global targets. The event addressed the UN’s SDG 3.6 (halving global road-traffic deaths and injuries by 2030) and SDG 11.2 (providing access to safe, sustainable transport systems). The panel discussion focused on the “Safe System” approach to road safety — a paradigm emphasising shared responsibility, system-wide protections and the goal of preventing serious injury or death rather than merely reducing risk.

While rooted in international frameworks, the discussion contextualised Malta’s situation, acknowledging challenges arising from the existing infrastructure, behavioural attitudes of pedestrians and drivers,  enforcement, post-crash care and the evolving mobility landscape. The event succeeded in elevating road-safety from a niche issue to a strategic topic reinforcing the notion that safer roads are integral not just to mobility but to student, staff and public health and well-being. The University of Malta can act as a hub for interdisciplinary research, education, and outreach on mobility and safety — further establishing its leadership in sustainable transport and public health.

The “Safer Roads, Safer Lives: Implementing the Safe System Approach in Malta” event brought tougher diverse voices, framing the issue through the safe-system lens, and aligning with global goals.  Whilst laying a foundation for continued action, the challenge lies in converting this positive energy into sustained initiatives — research, education and policy — that will make Malta’s roads not just less risky, but truly safe for all.