Latest news with #disasterriskreduction
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. (
Zawya
04-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: GCF grants $40mln to Sanbi's Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction project
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a $40m grant for the South African National Biodiversity Institute's (Sanbi) Eco-Disaster Risk Reduction (Eco-DRR) project. The project aims to harness an ecosystem-based approach to tackle climate-induced disasters. Ecosystem-based approaches Over the next eight years, the Eco-DRR initiative will benefit more than five million South Africans, particularly in vulnerable communities, by embedding ecosystem-based approaches into disaster risk planning. This will bolster infrastructure resilience, safeguard livelihoods, and enhance adaptive capacity in the face of climate change impacts. 'This is a monumental achievement for South Africa and a testament to Sanbi's expertise as a direct access entity to the GCF,' said Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Dr Dion George. 'The Eco-DRR project will empower millions of our citizens, ensuring that we build a resilient future where nature and communities thrive together.' Sustainable development and climate resilience The approval underscores South Africa's dedication to sustainable development and climate resilience. George added: 'By leveraging the power of ecosystems, this project not only mitigates disaster risks but also fosters inclusive growth and environmental stewardship. It is a beacon of hope for a greener, stronger South Africa.' The Eco-DRR project forms part of the country's National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy and its vision of fostering a climate-resilient society. The initiative will deliver long-term benefits by integrating ecosystem-based approaches into national planning frameworks. 'We will work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of this initiative reach our most vulnerable communities, paving the way for a sustainable future,' George concluded. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
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.
RNZ News
12-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Palau's president says new index should be used to classify economic position
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr held a bilateral meeting with Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction. Photo: Office of the President - Republic of Palau/Facebook Palau's president says the country is sometimes classified as a high-income nation based on its gross domestic product (GDP) - something he called a "pressing injustice". Surangel Whipps Jr delivered an address at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland, last week. Whipps said this classification ignored a "deeper truth". "Many of our people live in income poverty," he said. And climate disasters pushed them deeper into that, Whipps said. "We face profound socioeconomic vulnerability and we cannot let GDP alone determine our eligibility for support." Preliminary scores on the UN's multidimensional vulnerability index. Photo: UN screenshot He said the UN's multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI) should be used to "ensure a more just and accurate measure of our economic reality". The United Nations is working with small island developing states (SIDS) on the development and implementation of an MVI. The UN said most SIDS are not the poorest nations, but their costs are so much greater - and accessing financing is more difficult. "A multidimensional vulnerability index has the potential to ensure truly inclusive sustainable development," it said. "These small island nations have repeatedly said that traditional measures of development insufficiently capture their vulnerabilities. "When it comes to financing, debt relief and aid, the use of unsuitable, outdated, simplistic [gross national income] measurements unfairly lock out SIDS from accessing the help they need." Whipps also spoke on climate impacts in his nation, and said the dialogue's theme - 'Everyday counts - act for resilience today' - "resonates deeply with us in Palau".
Malay Mail
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Zahid: Malaysia pledges stronger disaster preparedness in education sector, RM135m allocated to build relief centres for high-risk schools
KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 — Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the resilience of its education system to disasters through the launch of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy 2030, which aligns with the United Nations' Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he conveyed the message during a Ministerial Roundtable themed 'Safe Schools' at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva today. 'This policy focuses on comprehensive risk reduction across all sectors, including the safety and continuity of education,' he said in a statement. According to Ahmad Zahid, one of the key initiatives highlighted was the development of the Disaster Risk Reduction Education Module by the Ministry of Education, UNICEF Malaysia and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), which will benefit nearly 7,800 primary schools nationwide. He said the module emphasises experiential learning, hands-on training and active student engagement in line with the Asean Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response framework. To ensure comprehensive implementation, Ahmad Zahid said Malaysia is also exploring strategic collaborations with non-governmental organisations, private companies and government-linked companies. 'At the same time, NADMA's Community-Based Disaster Risk Management programme successfully engaged nearly 44,000 Malaysians, including over 12,000 youths, over the past year,' he added. He also shared Malaysia's initiative to build Permanent Relief Centres in high-risk school areas, with a federal government allocation of RM135 million. These centres will function as shelters during disasters and serve as community learning hubs during normal times. 'Malaysia has also expressed its readiness to share expertise and foster cross-border collaboration in strengthening global school safety. 'We believe that investing in resilience today is the best protection for our children's future,' he said, while leading the Malaysian delegation to the Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva. — Bernama
