The 16th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion, Safety 2026, kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, with global and South African leaders endorsing a whole-of-society and whole-of-government response to prevent violence, injuries, and other avoidable harms.
Hosted by the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD) and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), the conference www.worldsafety.co.za brings together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, civil-society organisations, communities and people with lived experience under the theme: Ubuntu: United for a Safer Future.
In her opening message, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Hon. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, said that lasting safety requires more than isolated programmes or institutional responses.
“Achieving lasting security requires a fundamental shift away from isolated policies and interventions to a whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach,” she said, stressing that this is “a social, economic and development imperative.”
Her remarks strongly echoed the principles underpinning the emerging Cape Town National Consensus Plan: that preventing violence and injury requires coordinated action across government, communities, research institutions, civil society, the private sector and citizens themselves.
In a welcoming message, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called for the Ubuntu Cape Town Declaration for a Safer Future to be a practical global commitment rather than a symbolic statement.
“The Cape Town Declaration must include a clear call to action,” he said. “It must recognise safety as a shared responsibility.”
The Declaration, which is being refined through consultation during the conference, will set out a common direction for governments, institutions, communities and international partners to address the conditions that place people at risk of violence and injury. It is intended to support local adaptation, measurable action and sustained accountability across diverse contexts.
Safety 2026 takes place 30 years after World Health Assembly Resolution WHA 49.25 recognised violence as a major public-health priority. It also marks the return of the World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion to Africa for the first time in almost two decades.
Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt, Chair of the National Organising Committee, said the opening messages reinforced the central proposition of the conference: safety cannot be delivered by one department, profession or institution.
“Government must provide leadership, but communities must help set the priorities, shape the solutions and hold all of us accountable for delivery” he said. Pointing out that: “Safety is not achieved through plans written in isolation; it is achieved when the people most affected have a meaningful voice in deciding what changes where they live, learn, work and travel.
Over the next three days, participants from around the world will examine the structural, social and commercial determinants of violence and injury; consider safer systems in transport, workplaces, homes, schools and public spaces; and identify approaches that can be translated into policy and implementation.
The conference will also launch the 1st South African National Consensus Plan on creating a Safer South Africa developed through broad consultation in the lead up to the conference conducted by the Safety 2026 National Action Group under the leadership of Professor Mercilene Machisa from the SAMRC Gender and Health Research Unit and supported by the Inclusive Society Institute.
“The Plan calls for stronger implementation, governance and accountability for South Africa’s existing commitments; sustained investment in prevention, disaster and climate preparedness, and early intervention; and capable institutions that deliver integrated services through a supported and protected workforce,” said Prof. Machisa.
The Global Village—a participatory space connecting the conference’s scientific discussions with communities and the public kicked off today. Open to the public free of charge and without a requirement for conference registration, it will operate from 09:30 to 16:30 on 2–3 September and from 09:30 to 14:00 on 4 September. Through its Ubuntu Stage, Community Market and thematic Networking Zones, visitors will be able to engage with experts, share their experiences and contribute to the final Declaration and Consensus Plan.
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About the Foundation for Professional Development
FPD is the host organisation responsible for Safety 2026. It brings nearly three decades of experience in public health, education, health systems strengthening and the convening of national and international conferences. FPD organised the landmark XIII International AIDS Conference in Durban in 2000 and has supported major conference platforms addressing HIV, tuberculosis, mental health and other pressing public health priorities. Website: www.foundation.co.za
About the South African Medical Research Council
The SAMRC co-hosts Safety 2026 in partnership with FPD. Its contribution reflects its commitment to advancing evidence-based strategies to prevent injury and violence, shaping the scientific programme and fostering collaboration across disciplines to promote safer and healthier communities in South Africa, across Africa and globally. Website: www.samrc.ac.za
About the Inclusive Society Institute
The Inclusive Society Institute www.inclusivesociety.org.za is an independent public-policy think tank that advances practical, evidence-informed solutions for a more inclusive, cohesive and sustainable South Africa. Through research, dialogue and partnerships across government, civil society, business and communities, the Institute works to strengthen social cohesion, accountable governance and meaningful public participation. The Institute supported the broad-based national consultation process in support of the Consensus Plan
About the World Health Organization’s role
WHO is the originator of the World Conference series together with its network of Collaborating Centers and is the co-sponsor of Safety 2026. WHO provides technical support and contributes to the conference’s strategic direction and scientific credibility through the International Organising Committee and the wider network of WHO Collaborating Centers for violence and injury prevention.