As part of its participation at the World Expo 2020 Dubai, the African Union has put together a forward-looking programme focused on promoting the implementation of Agenda 2063. The first event was to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on 13th October. Accordingly, the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Expo 2020 Dubai team, organised an event under the theme: Disaster Risk and Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience.
The event’s goal was to identify advocacy opportunities to highlight how good disaster risk governance, planning and implementation leads to reduced numbers of people affected by disasters. This event aimed to showcase Africa’s efforts on disaster risk reduction, focusing on linking Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) to early action through innovative disaster risk financing. The event featured achievements of selected countries that can develop and implement integrated whole-of-society action on disaster risk reduction, including for hazards and biological risks such as COVID-19; the ongoing establishment of continental MHEWS situation for natural hazards; Africa RiskView – the Technical Engine of Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency, which is a software ARC innovation tool that allows countries to analyze and monitor their drought-related food security risk, define their participation in ARC using transparent criteria, and monitor potential ARC payouts. Discussions took place during the event on implementing the Africa Road map to improve the availability, access, and use of disaster risk information for early warning and early action, including in the context of transboundary risk management.
Speakers during the event emphasized the need for a paradigm shift from single-hazard disaster management funds to multi-hazard disaster risk management funds. In addition, they underscored the need to promote Africa’s visibility on the global stage and share best practices to contribute to global efforts in linking MHEWS to early action. It was underlined that disaster risk reduction must be included in national development plans and climate adaptation plans and budgets across all government parts to reduce disaster risks. Furthermore, it was noted that a society-wide approach is a key to achieving good governance and DRR. Moreover, national platforms are a crucial mechanism to operationalise an all of society approach that includes, among others, the private sector.
In his capacity as the AU Expo Commissioner General, Dr Levi Uche Madueke said, “The 13th of October saw an impressive start to our events calendar, as we gathered some of the best minds on the African continent, under the expert guidance of Commissioner for Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment in the African Union Commission – H.E Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko – speaking on Disaster Risk and Reduction. For many, this may have been a coincidence, but for us, this was the right and fitting start, showing the world that as a continent, we can and are capable of being amongst leading minds in driving change and finding solutions to the global challenges on the subject of climate change”.
“As a continent with the large pool of youth, who hold so much potential and readiness to partake in the evolution of the world – Africa is open and ready to do business – with all international investors as well as those who may be interested in being a part of our continent’s future. This is the perfect time for us to not only be a part of the conversations but lead the conversations as a continent beaming with a lot of untapped potential and resources,” concluded Dr Madueke.
Watch the Disaster Risk and Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience event here.
For further information, please contact
Mr Lunga Kupiso
Public Relations & Media Officer – AUC at Expo 2020
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: au*********@af**********.org
Mr Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar
Senior Communication Officer
E-mail: Ga****@af**********.org
Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DI*@af**********.org.
