India Plays Key Role in Finalizing G20 Consensus on Disaster Risk Reduction
A high-level Indian delegation has played a significant role in finalizing the first Ministerial declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) during a G20 meeting held from October 30 to November 1, 2024, in Belem, Brazil, according to an official statement released on Saturday.
At the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) Ministerial Meeting, P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, highlighted India’s achievements in disaster risk reduction and the enhancement of disaster financing. He underscored India’s proactive stance on DRR, focusing on five key priorities outlined during India’s G20 Presidency: early warning systems, disaster-resilient infrastructure, DRR financing, resilient recovery, and nature-based solutions. Mishra also presented Prime Minister Modi’s global initiative, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which now includes 40 countries and seven international organizations.
Reiterating India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework, Mishra called for increased international collaboration on knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and sustainable development to bolster global disaster resilience.
The Indian delegation also engaged in a Troika meeting with the ministers of Brazil and South Africa and held bilateral discussions with representatives from Brazil, Japan, Norway, South Africa, South Korea, Germany, and leaders of invited international organizations.
In response to the UN Secretary-General’s call on Extreme Heat, Mishra shared India’s experiences and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of promoting traditional practices suited to local conditions.
The establishment of the DRR Working Group was initiated by India during its G20 Presidency in 2023. Mishra congratulated Brazil on advancing the DRRWG to the Ministerial level and reaffirmed India’s support for South Africa as it prepares for its upcoming G20 Presidency next year.
India’s active participation highlights its expanding role in global DRR efforts and its commitment to fostering a safer, more resilient world.
