11 May 2020, Geneva, Switzerland – UNITAR with the support of Diageo has today launched a series of online training sessions in response to COVID-19 to deliver learning solutions with a focus on drink driving to beneficiaries.

Over the past few weeks, UNITAR has turned its face-to-face High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) Training Programme into e-learning to be offered online in English and Spanish. The online component of the HVE Training Programme brings together expertise and experience gathered in the field and will be delivered widely to government officials responsible for road safety and law enforcement. Law enforcement officers in countries around the world have participated in the programme since 2018, this is the first time the learning has been delivered online.

To complement the HVE training programme, a specialised online module and guide on “COVID-19 Preparedness and Response: Good Practices and Precautions when using Breathalysers” has been developed to provide recommendations for proper use and maintenance of breath alcohol testing instruments. Considering the threat of COVID-19, the proper use, cleaning and disinfecting of breath alcohol testing instruments is crucial to avoid transmission. The online module aims to assist police officers as they conduct Field Sobriety Tests using breathalysers.

 “At UNITAR our vision is to achieve a world in which individuals, institutions and organisations are equipped with the knowledge, skills and other capacities to overcome global challenges. I invite you and your colleagues to find out about our online tools and to stand ready as we enter a new decade of action on road safety”, said Nikhil Seth, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR.

“Our work around the world has demonstrated that the most effective way to reduce drink driving is through improving awareness, therefore maintaining momentum throughout the COVID-19 crisis is essential”, said Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive, Diageo.

You are invited to find out about our online tools by visiting https://unitar.org/sustainable-development-goals/people/our-portfolio/road-safety-initiative/online-training