India supports first G20 ministerial declaration on disaster risk reduction in Brazil

A high-level Indian delegation led by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P.K. Mishra attended the ministerial meeting of the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) in Belem, Brazil from 30 October to 1 November 2024.

India’s active role contributed to the finalization of the first Ministerial Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), which focused on five key priorities identified during its G20 Presidency: early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, financing for DRR, sustainable recovery and natural resources. solutions.

During several ministerial sessions, Mishra emphasized India’s proactive approach to disaster risk reduction, with a special focus on the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), a global initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that currently includes 40 countries and seven international organizations as members.

He reaffirmed India’s commitment to the Sendai Framework and called for strengthened international cooperation in technology transfer, sustainable development and knowledge sharing to enhance global disaster resilience.

The Indian delegation also participated in Troika meetings with Brazil and South Africa and held discussions with representatives of Japan, Norway, Germany, South Korea and other countries. Mishra, responding to the UN Secretary-General’s call on heat waves, shared India’s steps to mitigate such risks, including promoting traditional practices suited to the local climate.

Congratulating Brazil for elevating the DRRWG to ministerial level, Dr Mishra reiterated India’s continued support for disaster resilience efforts, offering assistance to South Africa as it prepares to lead the G20 next year. India’s participation underscores its leadership in global disaster risk reduction and its commitment to building a safer and more resilient world.