Team Blitz India
MUMBAI: The second meeting of the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) concluded here on May 25.
Over 120 delegates from G20 member countries, invited nations, international organisations, and Indian stakeholders participated in the event.
The focus of the meeting was on financing disaster risk reduction, covering topics such as financing early warning and early action, financing resilient infrastructure, ecosystem-based approaches, and the role of community in DRR.
Notable attendees at the opening ceremony included Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, and Kamal Kishore, Chair of the working group and Member Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority. Mami Mizutori, the Special Secretary to the Secretary General for the United Nations for Disaster Risk Reduction, was also present, underscoring the event’s significance.
The meeting discussed the roadmap for DRRWG over the next three years, with the Indian presidency aiming to instill ownership among the troika countries and South Africa.
The Member Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority emphasised the enthusiastic support received from the G20 countries on all priority areas, highlighting strong collaboration in tackling disaster risks.
The meeting also featured a side event on Eco-Based Approaches for Disaster Risk Reduction, organised in collaboration with partners like the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), UN Major Group on Children and Young People, UNEP, and others.
Private sector engagement was a significant focus, exploring the challenges faced in the DRR space.
Delegates stressed the importance of disaster-resilient infrastructure and financing for disaster risk reduction.
They called for an institutional framework supporting infrastructure investments without fragmentation and highlighted the role of social protection systems in mitigating the impact on vulnerable groups.
Looking ahead, the third and final meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group will be held in Chennai from July 24 to 26.
This initiative aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 to 2030, safeguarding development gains from disasters.
