Latest news with #UNDRR
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
SM Prime's Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience at UNDRR Global Platform 2025
Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland. Photo from Antoine Tardy for the UNDRR. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland. Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on 'Accelerating Financing and Resilience,' Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions. Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR 'Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,' Sy stated. 'We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.' Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025. He cited SM Prime's integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks. Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships. Embedding resilience into core business strategy In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime's approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster. The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding. Call to scale resilience investment To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. 'From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,' he noted. His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime's leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions. 'Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,' he concluded. The article above is a sponsored press release from SM Prime Holdings.
News18
07-06-2025
- Health
- News18
India Proactive On Extreme Heat Risk Management: PM's Principal Secretary
Last Updated: Mishra emphasised that India's approach to heatwave management is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort, involving multiple ministries and stakeholders. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr PK Mishra, has emphasised the urgent need to address extreme heat as a global crisis, echoing the call from the UN Secretary-General. While addressing a Special Session on Extreme Heat Risk Governance at Geneva on Friday, he underlined that rising temperatures posing a systemic risk to public health, economic stability, and ecological resilience, and India welcomes the UNDRR's initiative to advance the Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance as a platform for shared learning, guidance, and collaboration. Mishra emphasised that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has taken a proactive and forward-thinking approach to extreme heat risk management. He pointed out that India has moved beyond disaster response toward integrated preparedness and mitigation strategies. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) developed national guidelines on heatwave management in 2016, revised in 2019, facilitating decentralised Heat Action Plans (HAPs). He acknowledged that the Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan showcased the effectiveness of early warnings, inter-agency coordination, and community outreach in saving lives. 'Over 250 cities and districts across 23 heat-prone states have operational Heat Action Plans, supported by NDMA's advisory, technical, and institutional mechanisms", stressed the Principal Secretary, underscoring that strengthened surveillance, hospital readiness, and awareness campaigns have significantly reduced heatwave-related mortality. Mishra emphasised that India's approach to heatwave management is a whole-of-government and whole-of-society effort, involving multiple ministries and stakeholders. He highlighted the crucial role of public health institutes, research groups, civil society organisations, and universities in supporting local governments to enhance heat action plans. 'Extreme heat deeply impacts communities, and India has actively incorporated traditional wisdom and local experiences into its response", stressed Dr Mishra. He noted that schools have become catalysts for behavioural change, educating children about climate resilience. He also emphasised that hospitals and primary health centres must be strengthened to ensure swift and effective emergency responses. Outlining India's transition from a preparedness-only approach to long-term heatwave mitigation, including cool roof technologies, passive cooling centres, urban greening, and the revival of traditional water bodies, Mishra affirmed that India is integrating Urban Heat Island (UHI) assessments into city planning. Mishra announced a significant policy change, allowing National and State Disaster Mitigation Funds to be utilised for heatwave mitigation. This enables local governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and individuals to co-finance projects, promoting shared responsibility for prevention and mitigation efforts. He acknowledged key challenges that remain and called for a global focus on developing a localized heat-humidity index based on real-time data to enhance early warning systems, advancing building technologies and passive cooling innovations that are affordable and culturally appropriate and addressing equity concerns, as extreme heat disproportionately affects women, outdoor workers, the elderly, and children. 'Heatwaves are transboundary and systemic risks, particularly for densely populated urban areas", stressed Dr Mishra, urging the international community to enhance technological collaboration, data sharing, and joint research on heat resilience. He called for the Common Framework to provide accessible knowledge, research, and practical solutions, alongside institutional and financial support mechanisms. Mishra reaffirmed India's commitment to sharing its expertise, technical capabilities, and institutional strengths with global partners to foster a resilient, coordinated, and proactive global response to extreme heat. First Published: June 07, 2025, 15:13 IST
New Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
India takes the lead in tackling extreme heat risks, says PM's Principal Secretary at UN meet
NEW DELHI: India has adopted a proactive and forward-looking approach to managing the rising risks of extreme heat, said Dr P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, during a special session on Extreme Heat Risk Governance in Geneva on Friday. Delivering the keynote speech, Dr Mishra highlighted that rising temperatures now pose serious risks to public health, economic stability, and the environment. He welcomed the UNDRR's Common Framework for Extreme Heat Risk Governance, calling it a much-needed platform for global learning, guidance, and collaboration. He stressed that India has moved beyond just responding to disasters and is now focused on preparedness and long-term mitigation. 'Since 2016, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued national guidelines on heatwave management, revised in 2019. These laid the groundwork for decentralised Heat Action Plans (HAPs),' he said. Dr Mishra also echoed the UN Secretary-General's call to treat extreme heat as a global crisis. He pointed to the pioneering Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan as an example of how early warnings, coordination among agencies, and community outreach can save lives. 'Over 250 cities and districts across 23 heat-prone states in India now have operational Heat Action Plans,' he added. These are supported by NDMA through advice, technical tools, and institutional support. Efforts like heat surveillance, hospital readiness, and awareness campaigns have led to a significant drop in heat-related deaths.
Zawya
06-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
African Union Commission Hosts Regional Consultation to Validate The Draft Africa Common Position for Disaster Risk Reduction
The African Union Commission (AUC) successfully hosted the Regional Consultation on the Africa Common Position for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) on June 2, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. Organised on the sideline of the Global Platform2025 (GP2025) for DRR, the event brought together high-level delegations from African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and key development partners in a collaborative effort to refine and strengthen Africa's stance ahead of the Global Platform for DRR high level segment during the week. The African Common Position outlined the key priority areas and commitments of African Member States to contribute to reduced disaster losses and ensure risk informed development based on the unique context of the continent, and guided by the Programme of Action, the Windhoek Declaration, as well as other relevant AU Decisions. The session was chaired by Hon. Natangwe Paulus Lithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia, alongside notable speakers including the AU Commission and UNDRR. In his address at the Africa Day special session, Hon. Ithete expressed pride in Namibia's role as Chair of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction Bureau during this critical juncture. "It is my honour to welcome you all to this important meeting," he stated, emphasizing the significance of the gathering in shaping Africa's collective response to disaster risk reduction. While recognising the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for their efforts in organizing the event, he highlighted the inclusive, member state led consultation process that guided the development of the draft Africa Common Position, which reflects a shared vision and continental priorities. "I am pleased to confirm that the draft Africa Common Position is fully aligned with the Windhoek Declaration," Hon. Ithete noted. "It ensures that African delegates speak with one voice at GP2025, amplifying our common concerns and ambitions on the global stage." Recalling the challenges facing the continent on increasing disasters, the he encouraged Member States to mobilise local resources to DRR programmes. The draft common position aims to facilitate effective implementation of the Windhoek Declaration and the outcomes of GP2025, advancing commitments under the Sendai Framework and contributing to sustainable development across Africa. Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of the Sustainable Environment Division at AUC, expressed her gratitude for the robust participation of all stakeholders, emphasizing the collective commitment to building resilience and reducing disaster risk across the continent. "This consultation marks a pivotal moment for Africa as we unite to address the growing threats posed by disasters. Our shared determination to save lives and protect our economies is evident in the mobilization of our Member States and RECs," she stated. Despite significant strides in disaster risk management, Africa continues to face unprecedented vulnerabilities to both natural and human-induced disasters. Dr. El Gaouzi highlighted the importance of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Programme of Action guiding its implementation, which have been instrumental in shaping Africa's response to these challenges. The consultation served as a platform to review the Draft Africa Common Position, which incorporates feedback gathered from a recent survey distributed to Member States. This draft reflects the collective experiences and aspirations of African nations and is rooted in the commitments established in the Windhoek Declaration, adopted at the 9th Africa Regional Platform and the 8th High-Level Meeting on DRR in October 2024. In his remarks Amjad Abbashar, Chief, UNDRR Regional Office for Africa said "While the draft Africa Common Position to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 highlights significant progress, it is crucial to acknowledge that Africa remains highly vulnerable to natural hazards. Droughts and floods account for over 90% of disasters on the continent, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced resilience and preparedness." Addressing the challenges outlined on the draft Africa Common Position, he highlighted the issue of low public investment and limited private sector engagement in DRR financing, and limited risk knowledge and disaggregated data for risk-informed development and investment. 'We have only 5 years left till the end of the Sendai Framework. Therefore, the ACP priorities and the Windhoek declaration must be implemented with a sense of urgency if the continent is to realize the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Agenda 20263: The Africa We Want, he added. The regional consultation aims at providing an opportunity for African delegates to familiarize themselves with the key findings of the Global Assessment Report 2025 and come up with a unified voice. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union (AU).
Business Standard
06-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Disaster Risk Reduction Financing central to effective functioning of national disaster management systems for India
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P. K. Mishra, recently addressed the Ministerial Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Financing at Geneva on 04th June 2025. He commended the UNDRR and its partners for convening this critical discussion. India also recognized the contributions of Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue through their G20 presidencies. Mishra underscored that DRR financing is not a peripheral issue but central to the effective functioning of national disaster management systems and the safeguarding of development gains in the face of rising climate and disaster risks. He reaffirmed Indias belief that a strong and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience. Highlighting Indias journey in DRR financing, he noted that initial allocations by early Finance Commissions amounted to INR 60 million (approximately USD 0.7 million). The cumulative outlay under the 15th Finance Commission exceeds INR 2.32 trillion (approximately USD 28 billion).
