India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) organized a  Risk Reduction Hub Event at the United Nations headquarters today during the High-level meeting of the midterm review of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) 2015-2030 to discuss  ‘The Roles of States for Promoting Investments in Disaster Risk Reduction towards Resilient and Sustainable Future’. The event outlined the primary role of the States in promoting investments in disaster risk reduction as a fundamental requirement for achieving the SDGs and for minimizing the damages and impacts associated with Climate Change and thereby building a resilient society. The event called for each State’s responsibility to reduce existing risks and prevent future risks towards building a resilient and sustainable society.

Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, lead the Indian delegation. During his remarks, Dr. Mishra informed that the issue of disaster risk reduction is getting the requisite attention in the global policy discourse as both G20 and G7 have accorded priority to this issue. Dr Mishra also underscored the need to evolve a financial architecture that can address the entire spectrum of disaster risk reduction needs in a balanced way and specify the role of the State in strengthening early warning systems in times of disaster. In this direction, the G20 Working Group will meet for the second time next week to discuss financing issues.

Relevant to mention that in line with SFDRR and during India’s Presidency of G20, the Working Group on DRR (DRRWG) proposed five priorities, including Global coverage of early warning systems for all hydro-meteorological disasters, Increased commitment towards making infrastructure systems disaster and climate resilient; Stronger national financial frameworks for disaster risk reduction; Strengthened national and global disaster response systems including “Build Back Better”; and Increased application of ecosystem-based approaches. The discussions underscored the recognition of the need to take urgent action towards disaster risk reduction by the leaders from G7 and G20 countries, including from the Global South.

The member States emphasized initiating multi-country cooperation, including their respective roles to increase access to hazard and risk information as well as enhance disaster risk governance that guides proper budget allocation to DRR and also helps Build Back Better after disaster. G20, under India’s Presidency in 2023, under Sherpa Track, has taken an important step to establish a Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction to help accelerate member countries’ efforts to achieve the goals of SFDRR as well as SDGs. Amb Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations and officers of Indian delegation also participated in the event that was organized in coordination with United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

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DS/ST