New Delhi, Oct 14 (UNI) India emerged as a driving force in global disaster resilience as Dr PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, led the Indian delegation at the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Ministerial Meeting.
The event, held under the South African Presidency and coinciding with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, saw the adoption of a landmark Ministerial Declaration titled 'Resilience for All: Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction through Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.'
In a compelling keynote address, Dr Mishra framed disaster risk reduction not as a cost but as a vital investment in a safer, more sustainable future. “India is firmly committed to advancing multi-hazard early warning systems, harnessing anticipatory financing for proactive action, and fostering public-private partnerships to build resilience,” he stated, underscoring the nation’s forward-looking approach.
Highlighting India’s pivotal role in shaping the global DRR agenda, Dr Mishra recalled India’s key contribution to establishing the G20 DRR Working Group in 2023. He also spotlighted the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), India’s flagship initiative that has already extended technical assistance to over 50 countries, enhancing global capacities against climate and disaster risks.
Dr Mishra commended South Africa’s leadership during its G20 Presidency for promoting inclusive partnership and elevating African perspectives in the disaster resilience discourse.
At the Ministerial Roundtable on Voluntary High-Level Principles for Investing in DRR, Dr Mishra elaborated on India’s comprehensive strategy integrating risk data, innovative financing, and grassroots investment.
“Our governance embeds disaster risk reduction within the National Adaptation Plan, sectoral frameworks, and dedicated funding avenues to ensure resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability permeate all development efforts,” he explained.
Beyond the formal sessions, Dr Mishra engaged with counterparts such as South Africa’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Australia’s Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, reinforcing India’s commitment to global cooperation on disaster resilience.
Closing the event, Dr Mishra reaffirmed India’s unwavering dedication to translating the Declaration’s commitments into concrete action domestically and through international partnerships.
“Our collective future hinges on solidarity and inclusive efforts to mitigate disaster risks. India stands resolute in this mission,” he affirmed.
The adoption of this Ministerial Declaration on a day dedicated to disaster risk awareness signals the G20’s shared determination to build resilient societies capable of weathering the growing challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters, an agenda that India continues to champion on the global stage.
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