The G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, led by Dr. P.K. Mishra, adopted the Ministerial Declaration in Cape Town

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, led the Indian delegation to the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Ministerial Meeting, chaired by South Africa. Ministers at the meeting adopted the Declaration, "Resilience for All: Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction through Solidarity, Equity and Sustainability," on the occasion of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13.

In his address on the occasion, Dr. Mishra emphasized India's belief that disaster risk reduction has no cost but is a collective investment in our shared future. He emphasized India's leading role in the formation of the G20 DRR Working Group (2023) and its continued commitment to advancing multi-hazard early warning systems, leveraging predictive financing for predictive action, and promoting public-private partnerships for adaptation. He reiterated India's leadership through the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), which has provided technical assistance to 50 countries.

Dr. Mishra commended South Africa's chairmanship for fostering a spirit of partnership within the disaster risk reduction agenda and broadening the perspective to Africa.

During the Ministerial Roundtable on Voluntary High-Level Principles for Investment in DRR, Dr. Mishra also noted India's integrated approach based on risk information, financing strategies, innovation and local-level investment. India's governance model has embedded DRR into its national adaptation plan, sectoral policies and financing instruments, ensuring that adaptation, inclusiveness and sustainability are embedded in every level of development planning.

On this occasion, Dr. Mishra held bilateral meetings with Mr. Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs of South Africa, Ms. Kristy McBain, Minister of Emergency Management of Australia, and heads of delegations from other G20 members and international organizations to strengthen collaborative efforts towards disaster adaptation.

Concluding the event, Dr. Mishra reaffirmed India's commitment to advance the commitments of the Declaration domestically and through international partnerships.