Islamabad, October 24, 2025 — The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) hosted a welcome reception in honor of H.E. Mr. Jean Todt, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, at the IPC Secretariat in Islamabad.

The event was well attended by Ambassadors and High Commissioners from nine countries, along with representatives from diplomatic missions, civil society, think tanks, the legal and medical communities, IT consultants, and senior officials from law enforcement and the armed forces.

Upon arrival, Ms. Sitara Ayaz, Secretary General of IPC, warmly welcomed Mr. Todt and introduced him to the IPC team. Mr. Todt signed the IPC guest book and held a brief meeting with the Secretary General.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Ayaz extended her heartfelt welcome to Mr. Todt and introduced the mission and objectives of IPC. She emphasized IPC’s commitment to advancing global road safety initiatives and strengthening collaboration with the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety. She also highlighted IPC’s extensive network of parliamentarians from 64 member countries, noting that IPC can play a crucial role in mobilizing legislative support for implementing laws aligned with the United Nations Second Decade of Action for Road Safety.

The Secretary General acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Mohammad Naeem Murtaza, Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of IPC, for his dedicated work on road safety initiatives and for playing an instrumental role in organizing this important event, which marks a step toward deepening cooperation between IPC and the UN Envoy’s Office.

In his address, Mr. Jean Todt thanked the Secretary General and commended IPC’s efforts. He highlighted that 70% of global road fatalities occur among two-wheeler users, amounting to a significant portion of the 1.3 million annual road traffic deaths worldwide. He stressed the importance of wearing certified helmets to save lives on Pakistan’s busy roads. Mr. Todt also expressed concern over inaccuracies in road crash data, noting that incorrect information can hinder effective preventive measures. He emphasized the need for accurate data collection and sharing to help stakeholders take targeted actions to reduce road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Following his remarks, Mr. Todt proceeded to the main delegates’ hall, where he was introduced, individually to guests. A video presentation showcasing Mr. Todt’s remarkable career and contributions to global road safety was screened, receiving a warm round of applause from attendees.

Mr. Mohammad Naeem Murtaza (CTA-IPC) expressed gratitude to Mr. Todt for accepting IPC’s invitation. He presented an overview of IPC’s road safety initiatives, notably the First Road Safety Conference for Parliamentarians held in February 2023, which was graced by the President of Pakistan and other international dignitaries. He acknowledged Mr. Todt’s video message for the event, which had reinforced IPC’s mission to save lives through effective legislation and awareness. Mr. Murtaza highlighted that the conference served as a capacity-building platform for legislators to develop effective frameworks for road safety, and that todays’ reception marks the beginning of a stronger partnership between IPC and the UN Envoy’s Office.

Taking the floor again, Mr. Todt elaborated on his current mission to Pakistan. A man known for turning words into action, he urged individuals, institutions, and governments to take practical steps to curb road traffic fatalities. Demonstrating the protective features of a certified helmet, he reiterated that consistent helmet use could drastically reduce deaths and life-altering injuries among two-wheeler riders.

At the conclusion of the formal session, Ms. Ayaz presented a souvenir to Mr. Todt on behalf of IPC. The distinguished guest then mingled with attendees and viewed a slideshow of his previous visit to Pakistan in 2012, during his tenure as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and FIA Foundation.

The event reaffirmed the shared commitment of IPC and the United Nations to advancing road safety through parliamentary engagement, policy advocacy, and capacity-building across IPC member states, including Pakistan.

The reception concluded with a group photograph and a renewed pledge to work collectively toward safer roads for all.