CHIANG MAI, Thailand – October 10, 2025

Following the remarkable achievements from the first two phases with a series of virtual engagement and collaborative planning sessions, Heads Up! Phase 3 is officially back on its mission to enhance road safety across the Asia-Pacific region, with the Regional Workshop set to take place in Chiang Mai, Thailand, this Friday, October 10.

Led by AIP Foundation, with the support of the FIA Foundation, the workshop will bring together representatives from five FIA Region II mobility clubs, notably – India, Nepal, Indonesia, Cambodia and Vietnam, along with key stakeholders to strengthen regional action on child helmet safety.

In many low- and middle-income countries, motorcycles are not only the dominant mode of travel but also the ‘family car,’ carrying children to school every day. With high traffic density and risky road behaviors, millions of children face the highest risk of traumatic brain injury or death — often without access to protective and affordable helmets. Yet, There is still no global safety standard for child helmets, leaving millions of children unprotected.

To address this preventable challenge, Heads Up! Phase 3 has been conducted as a regional road safety initiative that aims to advance the child helmet safety regulations and reduce preventable injuries and fatalities among child motorcycle passengers across the region; by strengthening the capacity of participating FIA Region II members and empower them to launch impactful public awareness campaigns on the widespread adoption of Global Child Helmet Safety Standards.

Speaking at the workshop, Mr. Greig Craft – Founder and President of AIP Foundation – emphasized:

“A child’s life should never be put at risk because of poor helmet quality or lack of protection. This belief has driven much of my work over the years – and it is exactly why the Global Child Helmet Standard (GCHS 1:2025), which I am proud to have co-authored, marks such an important milestone. It is not merely a technical benchmark; it is a promise that every child deserves a helmet that truly protects.”

I want to emphasize one thing: this work depends on all of us. The strength of Heads Up! movement lies not in a single voice or a single country, but in how we unite as FIA Region II clubs – sharing knowledge, adapting strategies locally, and standing together behind a common vision.

Ms. Alison Wallace – Regional Coordinator of FIA Region II also noted that:

“Looking back on the journey of Heads Up! initiative, I am truly delighted and proud to witness the continuous efforts and strong spirit of collaboration among members of the FIA Region II mobility clubs. We have come a long way — from the early stages focused on communication campaigns promoting helmet use among young teenagers, to the period when we built capacity for clubs to develop project proposals. And now, we are here together, working toward a safer future for every child by advancing the Global Child Helmet Standard. Through capacity building and empowering clubs to implement their own local awareness campaigns, we are turning commitment into action. I sincerely hope that our collective efforts will continue to bring lasting value to our communities — for a safer tomorrow for every child on the road.”

The workshop concluded successfully with the active participation of representatives from all participating clubs. In a spirit of friendship and openness, the clubs shared creative ideas for implementing their upcoming local communication campaigns. They also exchanged practical experiences in engaging with partners, stakeholders, and various levels of government to advocate for the Global Child Helmet Safety agenda. Together, they aim to contribute to the development of national child helmet standards in their respective countries — working toward a safer future for every child on the road.