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The G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, under the Indian Presidency, is set to hold its third and final meeting in Chennai from July 24th to July 26th. This marks the first time that a dedicated working group on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) has been constituted, signifying India’s commitment to addressing global challenges posed by disasters and climate emergencies.
This meeting will bring together G20 Countries and their leadership, international organisations and knowledge partners to engage in drafting the Communique encapsulating shared commitments and key recommendations regarding the working group's priority areas. These areas include the Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems, Disaster and Climate Resilient Infrastructure, Financing Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Response System, and the Ecosystem-based Approach to DRR.
The event will be graced in the presence of notable dignitaries, including Dr. P.K Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister; Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General; Dr. Raditya Jati, Deputy for Systems and Strategy, National Disaster Mitigation Agency, Indonesia; Mr. Pedro Piacesi de Souza, Second Secretary, Embassy of Brazil, New Delhi and Shri Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa Ambassador. Their presence reaffirms the commitment to promoting DRR and fostering cooperation amongst nations.
The Communique, endorsed by all, will serve as a seminal guiding document for G20 nations, underscoring the critical significance of disaster risk reduction. It will outline concrete actions to be undertaken at national and international levels, emphasizing the urgency of integration of DRR into financing decision making and mainstreaming DRR into the development cooperation of G20 countries to reduce risk posed by disasters.
In addition to the technical sessions, side events organized by the knowledge partners such as the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the Coalition for Disaster Resilience Infrastructure (CDRI) and UN Women. The side events will focus on capturing the Resilience Dividend Towards Closing the Infrastructure Gap, enhancing disaster-resilient infrastructure governance and women-led and community-based DRR.
The G20 delegates also will have the opportunity to visit UNESCO Heritage Monuments at Mahabalipuram, immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the region while further strengthening their commitment to safeguarding it from the perils of disasters.
The third and final G20 Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) in Chennai is poised to be a landmark event, with delegates from across the globe sharing collective experiences to build a resilient future safeguarding lives and livelihoods.
A Fire Side Chat on ‘Disruptive Technologies and their use in Disaster Risk Reduction’ is also being organized on July 23, which will share a deeper understanding of how these technologies are being applied for DRRWG and how to scale them up. Distinguished officials from FEMA, Indonesia National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), NDMA India, National Hydro Power Corporation, National Institute of Disaster Management, Microsoft India and Govt. of Tamil Nadu were a part of the panel discussion.