UN tips Africa on disaster risk reduction

By MacPherson Mukuka

The United Nations Office on Disaster Risk Reduction -UNDRR- is urging African nations to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction -DRR- into their development programmes.

Special Representative KAMAL KISHORE emphasized that achieving the Sustainable Development Goals -SDGs- and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 hinges on prioritizing Disaster Risk Reduction in development plans.

He made these remarks during a press conference following the opening of the 9th Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) in Namibia.

And, the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Coordination Centre Director ANDERSON BANDA, said incorporating Disaster Risk Reduction into development strategies will better prepare member states for climate change-induced disasters.

Meanwhile, Executive Director in the Office of the Namibian Prime Minister, I-BEN NASHANDI, highlighted Namibia’s recognition of climate change impacts, noting ongoing efforts to establish relief supplies in response to severe drought conditions.

And HARSEN NYAMBE, Director of Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Commission, reported that the AU is working to enhance the capacity of meteorological services across the continent.