Latest news with #DisasterRiskReduction
Zawya
15 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
African Union Commission Hosts Regional Consultation to Validate The Draft Africa Common Position for Disaster Risk Reduction
The African Union Commission (AUC) successfully hosted the Regional Consultation on the Africa Common Position for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) on June 2, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. Organised on the sideline of the Global Platform2025 (GP2025) for DRR, the event brought together high-level delegations from African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and key development partners in a collaborative effort to refine and strengthen Africa's stance ahead of the Global Platform for DRR high level segment during the week. The African Common Position outlined the key priority areas and commitments of African Member States to contribute to reduced disaster losses and ensure risk informed development based on the unique context of the continent, and guided by the Programme of Action, the Windhoek Declaration, as well as other relevant AU Decisions. The session was chaired by Hon. Natangwe Paulus Lithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia, alongside notable speakers including the AU Commission and UNDRR. In his address at the Africa Day special session, Hon. Ithete expressed pride in Namibia's role as Chair of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Bureau during this critical juncture. "It is my honour to welcome you all to this important meeting," he stated, emphasizing the significance of the gathering in shaping Africa's collective response to disaster risk reduction. While recognising the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for their efforts in organizing the event, he highlighted the inclusive, member state led consultation process that guided the development of the draft Africa Common Position, which reflects a shared vision and continental priorities. "I am pleased to confirm that the draft Africa Common Position is fully aligned with the Windhoek Declaration," Hon. Ithete noted. "It ensures that African delegates speak with one voice at GP2025, amplifying our common concerns and ambitions on the global stage." Recalling the challenges facing the continent on increasing disasters, the he encouraged Member States to mobilise local resources to DRR programmes. The draft common position aims to facilitate effective implementation of the Windhoek Declaration and the outcomes of GP2025, advancing commitments under the Sendai Framework and contributing to sustainable development across Africa. Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of the Sustainable Environment Division at AUC, expressed her gratitude for the robust participation of all stakeholders, emphasizing the collective commitment to building resilience and reducing disaster risk across the continent. "This consultation marks a pivotal moment for Africa as we unite to address the growing threats posed by disasters. Our shared determination to save lives and protect our economies is evident in the mobilization of our Member States and RECs," she stated. Despite significant strides in disaster risk management, Africa continues to face unprecedented vulnerabilities to both natural and human-induced disasters. Dr. El Gaouzi highlighted the importance of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Programme of Action guiding its implementation, which have been instrumental in shaping Africa's response to these challenges. The consultation served as a platform to review the Draft Africa Common Position, which incorporates feedback gathered from a recent survey distributed to Member States. This draft reflects the collective experiences and aspirations of African nations and is rooted in the commitments established in the Windhoek Declaration, adopted at the 9th Africa Regional Platform and the 8th High-Level Meeting on DRR in October 2024. In his remarks Amjad Abbashar, Chief, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa said "While the draft Africa Common Position to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 highlights significant progress, it is crucial to acknowledge that Africa remains highly vulnerable to natural hazards. Droughts and floods account for over 90% of disasters on the continent, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced resilience and preparedness." Addressing the challenges outlined on the draft Africa Common Position, he highlighted the issue of low public investment and limited private sector engagement in DRR financing, and limited risk knowledge and disaggregated data for risk-informed development and investment. 'We have only 5 years left till the end of the Sendai Framework. Therefore, the ACP priorities and the Windhoek declaration must be implemented with a sense of urgency if the continent is to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Agenda 20263: The Africa We Want, he added. The regional consultation aims at providing an opportunity for African delegates to familiarize themselves with the key findings of the Global Assessment Report 2025 and come up with a unified voice. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
India showcases world's largest DRR financing system at UN disaster platform in Geneva
Geneva [Switzerland], June 5 (ANI): Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, highlighted India's robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing system--cumulatively exceeding USD 28 billion--and called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and the creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange. While delivering India's statement at the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva on Wednesday (local time), Mishra commended the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its partners for convening the ministerial roundtable on DRR financing, emphasising that its journey from a USD 1 million allocation to a projected USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission underscores the importance of a rule-based, structured financing architecture backed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005. 'India commends the UNDR and its partners for convening this important ministerial roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing. We also appreciate the efforts made by Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue on this vital subject through their respective G20 presidencies,' Mishra noted in the opening statement. 'For India, DRR financing is not a territorial issue -- it is central to the effective functioning of disaster management systems and the protection of development gains in an era of escalating climate and disaster risks. India believes that a robust and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience. Our journey has evolved steadily and purposefully -- starting from an allocation of approximately USD 1 million through the early Finance Commissions, our cumulative outlay now exceeds USD 28 billion and is expected to rise to USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission. India's experience underscores the importance of rule-based, pre-determined allocations that flow seamlessly from the national to the state and district levels. This system is backed by a strong legislative foundation -- the Disaster Management Act of 2005 -- which has transformed disaster financing from a reactive mechanism into a structured and predictable system,' he further added. According to a post on X by the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva, India showcased the world's largest DRR financing system. 'Principal Secretary to PM delivered India's statement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, showcasing the world's largest nationally anchored DRR financing system. Called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance & knowledge exchange,' the post stated. Mishra also held bilateral engagements with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in disaster risk reduction and sharing best practices. 'Principal Secretary to PM meets Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of Kenya on the sidelines of GPDRR2025 Geneva. Productive discussions on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in various areas, including disaster risk reduction, sharing best practices in DRR, and building resilient communities together,' the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in a post on X. The Principal Secretary also held another productive discussion with the Philippines' Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr, exploring synergies in DRR to build resilient futures. 'Productive bilateral engagement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, as Principal Secretary to PM holds discussions with DOST Philippines. Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr of Philippines. Exploring synergies in DRR, building bonds for safer, more resilient futures!' The Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in another post on X. (ANI)
Times of Oman
2 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
India showcases world's largest DRR financing system at UN disaster platform in Geneva
Geneva: Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, highlighted India's robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing system--cumulatively exceeding $28 billion--and called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and the creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange. While delivering India's statement at the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva on Wednesday (local time), Mishra commended the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its partners for convening the ministerial roundtable on DRR financing, emphasising that its journey from a USD 1 million allocation to a projected USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission underscores the importance of a rule-based, structured financing architecture backed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005. "India commends the UNDR and its partners for convening this important ministerial roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing. We also appreciate the efforts made by Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue on this vital subject through their respective G20 presidencies," Mishra noted in the opening statement. "For India, DRR financing is not a territorial issue -- it is central to the effective functioning of disaster management systems and the protection of development gains in an era of escalating climate and disaster risks. India believes that a robust and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience. Our journey has evolved steadily and purposefully -- starting from an allocation of approximately USD 1 million through the early Finance Commissions, our cumulative outlay now exceeds USD 28 billion and is expected to rise to USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission. India's experience underscores the importance of rule-based, pre-determined allocations that flow seamlessly from the national to the state and district levels. This system is backed by a strong legislative foundation -- the Disaster Management Act of 2005 -- which has transformed disaster financing from a reactive mechanism into a structured and predictable system," he further added. According to a post on X by the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva, India showcased the world's largest DRR financing system. "Principal Secretary to PM delivered India's statement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, showcasing the world's largest nationally anchored DRR financing system. Called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance & knowledge exchange," the post stated. Mishra also held bilateral engagements with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in disaster risk reduction and sharing best practices. "Principal Secretary to PM meets Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of Kenya on the sidelines of GPDRR2025 Geneva. Productive discussions on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in various areas, including disaster risk reduction, sharing best practices in DRR, and building resilient communities together," the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in a post on X. The Principal Secretary also held another productive discussion with the Philippines' Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr, exploring synergies in DRR to build resilient futures. "Productive bilateral engagement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, as Principal Secretary to PM holds discussions with DOST Philippines. Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr of Philippines. Exploring synergies in DRR, building bonds for safer, more resilient futures!" The Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in another post on X.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
India showcases world's largest DRR financing system at UN disaster platform in Geneva
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, PK Mishra, highlighted India's robust Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing system--cumulatively exceeding USD 28 billion--and called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and the creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance, and knowledge exchange. While delivering India's statement at the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 in Geneva on Wednesday (local time), Mishra commended the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and its partners for convening the ministerial roundtable on DRR financing , emphasising that its journey from a USD 1 million allocation to a projected USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission underscores the importance of a rule-based, structured financing architecture backed by the Disaster Management Act of 2005 . "India commends the UNDR and its partners for convening this important ministerial roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) financing. We also appreciate the efforts made by Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue on this vital subject through their respective G20 presidencies," Mishra noted in the opening statement. "For India, DRR financing is not a territorial issue -- it is central to the effective functioning of disaster management systems and the protection of development gains in an era of escalating climate and disaster risks. India believes that a robust and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience. Our journey has evolved steadily and purposefully -- starting from an allocation of approximately USD 1 million through the early Finance Commissions, our cumulative outlay now exceeds USD 28 billion and is expected to rise to USD 42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission. India's experience underscores the importance of rule-based, pre-determined allocations that flow seamlessly from the national to the state and district levels. This system is backed by a strong legislative foundation -- the Disaster Management Act of 2005 -- which has transformed disaster financing from a reactive mechanism into a structured and predictable system," he further added. According to a post on X by the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva, India showcased the world's largest DRR financing system. Live Events "Principal Secretary to PM delivered India's statement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, showcasing the world's largest nationally anchored DRR financing system. Called for concrete, time-bound outcomes and creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance & knowledge exchange," the post stated. Mishra also held bilateral engagements with Kenya's Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on the sidelines of the summit, focusing on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in disaster risk reduction and sharing best practices. "Principal Secretary to PM meets Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of Kenya on the sidelines of GPDRR2025 Geneva. Productive discussions on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in various areas, including disaster risk reduction, sharing best practices in DRR, and building resilient communities together," the Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in a post on X. The Principal Secretary also held another productive discussion with the Philippines' Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr, exploring synergies in DRR to build resilient futures. "Productive bilateral engagement at GPDRR 2025 Geneva, as Principal Secretary to PM holds discussions with DOST Philippines. Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr of Philippines. Exploring synergies in DRR, building bonds for safer, more resilient futures!" The Permanent Mission of India at Geneva stated in another post on X. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- General
- Business Recorder
SCF launches District Disaster Response Network
HYDERABAD: In a proactive move to strengthen community resilience against climate-related emergencies, the Sindh Community Foundation (SCF), with support from Pathfinder International, successfully trained 102 young people, aged 18 to 29, from 10 villages across Thatta, including coastal areas, in first aid and emergency response skills. The initiative was conducted under SCF's ongoing SURMI Project, which focuses on climate resilience and youth empowerment. Over the course of four three-day workshops, participants received hands-on training in CPR, bleeding control, burn management, electric shock response, and fire safety, alongside in-depth sessions on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate change adaptation, and interpreting early warning systems. 'Communities are always the first responders during disasters,' emphasized Javed Hussain, Executive Director of SCF, during the closing ceremony. 'Training youth equips villages with immediate support mechanisms while creating a bridge with institutions like the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) to enhance coordinated response and reduce risk.' Retired Commander Naeem Yousuf, the lead trainer, conducted rigorous drills and simulations, preparing the youth to respond effectively during climate-induced crises such as floods, cyclones, and heat waves now more frequent and intense in Thatta due to climate change. Senior district officials including Additional Deputy Commissioner-I Ghulam Dastgeer, Assistant Commissioner Shakir Faheem, and Dr. Rahena from the District Health Department praised the initiative. They emphasized the growing urgency for community-based disaster preparedness in vulnerable regions like Thatta. Humera Ali, SCF's Project Manager, and MB Khaskheli, Cluster Coordinator from Pathfinder International, appreciated the participants' commitment and energy. They highlighted the transformative potential of engaging youth in localized climate action and emergency response. The culmination of the fourth training batch marked a significant milestone: the formation of the Youth Network for Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Response. The network consists of 29 trained young leaders—both male and female—who will now take on formal roles as community-based first responders, emergency educators, and local coordinators for DRR activities across Thatta. This youth-led network is designed to engage young people in awareness, preparedness, and response actions for disasters and climate emergencies, while fostering stronger linkages between local communities and government disaster management systems. It represents a model for climate-adaptive, community-driven resilience—one that places youth at the forefront of building a safer, more prepared Thatta. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
