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Times of Oman
7 days ago
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Workshop discusses ways to reduce natural disasters
Salalah: A two-day workshop titled 'Risk and Disaster Reduction' kicked off at Sultan Qaboos Youth Compound for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah on Wednesday. The workshop is organised by the Environment Authority in cooperation with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)'s Regional Office for Arab States. The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah Ali Al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, and attended by a number of experts and specialists from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad. The workshop aims to enable national cadres to understand the global framework on diminishing the scope of natural disaster risks, as well as standard mechanisms for monitoring and reporting the progress made in implementing the objectives of the global framework. It includes presentations, interactive discussions and practical training on using the global system of reporting, besides highlighting the role of institutional governance in this field. Speaking at the workshop, Mamdouh Salim Al Marhoon, Director of the Environmental Emergency Center, said, 'The Sultanate of Oman is aware of the escalating challenges associated with climate change and its geographical nature. This requires the development of an integrated national system to mitigate risks, based on knowledge, proactive planning and integration among different stakeholders.' Al Marhoon affirmed Oman's commitment to implement the requirements of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. He said that this commitment is realised by adopting decisions based on accurate data, in addition to building sustainable capacities that enhance preparedness and diminish the impact of disasters on people and the environment. For her part, Noura Al Ashqar, Head of the UNDRR's Regional Office for Arab States, said, 'The Sultanate of Oman is making tangible progress toward enhancing resilience by integrating the concept of risk reduction into national policies and plans, in addition to the use of data and information in a manner that supports decision-making amid rising environmental challenges facing the region.' The opening session of the workshop included a visual presentation on the Sendai Framework, in addition to an outline of the agenda of the workshop that was presented by Mirna Abu Ata, Programme Management Officer at the UNDRR. The workshop also discusses the definition of the Sendai Framework, its goals, indicators, terminology and the extent to which the Sendai Framework is related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also deals with the global reporting system, data classification mechanisms and periodic reporting. Being the leading global reference in this field, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 seeks to limit human, material and service losses, enhance the understanding and management of risks and encourage capacity building, disaster preparedness and response to disasters when they occur. The Sendai Framework comprises seven global goals and 38 indicators to measure progress. Member states are committed to submit periodic reports via an approved electronic platform.


Zawya
06-08-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman, UN step up cooperation to bolster disaster, climate resilience
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to enhance national preparedness for environmental disasters and climate-related risks. In a joint meeting held in Muscat on Monday, the two sides discussed Oman's ongoing efforts to integrate disaster risk reduction into environmental and urban planning, and to build resilience across key sectors. The talks focused on developing strategic partnerships and joint action plans that reinforce the ability of environmental, social and economic systems to respond to future climate challenges. 'The meeting reaffirmed the importance of building national capacity and preparedness in the face of increasing environmental hazards,' EA said in a statement, noting that climate change remains a major concern for countries across the region. On Tuesday, the UNDRR team met officials of the National Emergency Management Centre and were briefed on the emergency management system in Oman and the role of the centre. The sultanate has taken several steps in recent months to improve disaster risk management, including signing an agreement in May to establish three new emergency centres in Suwaiq, Suhar and Sur — areas historically vulnerable to extreme weather. The centres will serve as safe shelters for people displaced by natural disasters and other emergencies, providing them humanitarian support and essential services. In June, authorities launched a new electronic platform aimed at enhancing the country's emergency response capabilities. The digital system is designed to coordinate efforts of multiple government bodies during crises, from early warning to recovery. The platform links key entities such as the Ministry of Health, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority and Royal Oman Police, enabling real-time data sharing and faster decision-making. It also connects governorate-level emergency subcommittees and operational centres to streamline national and local coordination. The UNDRR delegation's visit reflects Oman's ongoing efforts to expand international cooperation in disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability, aligning with goals of Oman Vision 2040. Both parties committed to continue sharing technical expertise and best practices as Oman works to increase its resilience against future climate shocks and environmental hazards. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Muscat Daily
05-08-2025
- Climate
- Muscat Daily
Oman, UN step up cooperation to boost disaster, climate resilience
Muscat – Environment Authority (EA) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) have agreed to strengthen cooperation to enhance national preparedness for environmental disasters and climate-related risks. In a joint meeting held in Muscat on Monday, the two sides discussed Oman's ongoing efforts to integrate disaster risk reduction into environmental and urban planning, and to build resilience across key sectors. The talks focused on developing strategic partnerships and joint action plans that reinforce the ability of environmental, social and economic systems to respond to future climate challenges. 'The meeting reaffirmed the importance of building national capacity and preparedness in the face of increasing environmental hazards,' EA said in a statement, noting that climate change remains a major concern for countries across the region. On Tuesday, the UNDRR team met officials of the National Emergency Management Centre and were briefed on the emergency management system in Oman and the role of the centre. The sultanate has taken several steps in recent months to improve disaster risk management, including signing an agreement in May to establish three new emergency centres in Suwaiq, Suhar and Sur — areas historically vulnerable to extreme weather. The centres will serve as safe shelters for people displaced by natural disasters and other emergencies, providing them humanitarian support and essential services. In June, authorities launched a new electronic platform aimed at enhancing the country's emergency response capabilities. The digital system is designed to coordinate efforts of multiple government bodies during crises, from early warning to recovery. The platform links key entities such as the Ministry of Health, Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority and Royal Oman Police, enabling real-time data sharing and faster decision-making. It also connects governorate-level emergency subcommittees and operational centres to streamline national and local coordination. The UNDRR delegation's visit reflects Oman's ongoing efforts to expand international cooperation in disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability, aligning with goals of Oman Vision 2040. Both parties committed to continue sharing technical expertise and best practices as Oman works to increase its resilience against future climate shocks and environmental hazards.


Times of Oman
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Meeting discusses efforts to mitigate environmental disasters
Muscat: The Environment Authority, during a joint meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), reviewed efforts to strengthen national measures in reducing the impact of environmental disasters and climate change. The meeting highlighted the importance of enhancing national preparedness and building capacities to address environmental and natural disasters. It also examined Oman's ongoing efforts in environmental and natural resource conservation, as well as its approach to integrating risk reduction concepts into environmental policies, urban planning, and sustainable development. Both sides emphasised the need to establish strategic partnerships, exchange expertise and successful experiences, and develop joint action plans to enhance the resilience of ecological, social, and economic systems in facing future challenges. This visit reflects Oman's commitment to strengthening its international presence and partnerships in environmental sustainability, climate change mitigation, and natural disaster management, in line with the objectives of "Oman Vision 2040."


Zawya
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Chair United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Support Group for 2025–2026 Term
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Support Group unanimously endorsed the appointment of His Excellency Ambassador Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, as Chair of the Support Group for the 2025–2026 term, as of August 2025. The UAE will assume the Chairmanship from the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, which currently holds the position for the 2024–2025 term. This appointment marks a significant milestone, as the UAE becomes the first Arab country to assume this role. The UAE's leadership reflects the country's strong commitment to multilateralism, sustainable development, and proactive engagement in tackling the rising risks posed by climate change and disasters. Addressing the group during the meeting, H.E. Al Musharakh stated: "The UAE is fully committed to leveraging its leadership of the UNDRR Support Group to drive forward practical, long-term disaster risk reduction strategies. The UAE's priority will be to enhance international cooperation, ensuring that disaster resilience becomes integrated into every aspect of development. Furthermore, the country is committed to working closely with all partners to protect the most vulnerable groups and mitigate the growing challenges posed by climate change and disasters." The UNDRR Support Group plays a pivotal role in fostering dialogue among Member States and supporting the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It also serves as a vital platform for strengthening international coordination and cooperation to reduce disaster risks and enhance resilience to both natural disasters. As the incoming Chair, the UAE will work to set priorities and guide discussions aimed at addressing the increasing challenges posed by such disasters, including those exacerbated by climate change. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.