Researchers, policymakers and safety experts from more than 80 countries are gathering in Cape Town for the 16th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion under the theme, "Ubuntu: United for a Safer Future."

The conference is being held in Africa for the first time in two decades and comes 30 years after the World Health Assembly recognised violence as a major global public health problem. With injuries and violence still responsible for more than 4.4 million deaths globally each year, the conference will examine how governments, communities, businesses and civil society can work together to build safer societies.

Mpho Sithole spoke to Dr Gustaaf Wolvaardt, Founder of the Foundation for Professional Development, about why this conference matters, why it is being hosted in Africa, and whether a whole-of-society approach can make a meaningful difference.