Statements and messages

UNDRR dedicates significant attention to water-related risks and challenges. The Sendai Framework systemically addresses disaster risk and promotes national and local DRR strategies that account for multi-hazard risks, including those related to water.

The value of local governments has been evident in the response to recent global challenges and stressors. They are often the first responders to disasters and have been on the front lines in helping communities manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Statement by SRSG Mizutori, ECOSOC Forum on Financing for Development Side Event on De-Risking Investments for People, Planet, and Prosperity

The current approach to development assistance is not responsive to the increasing levels of risk within economic, social, and environmental systems. We must support the most vulnerable countries to attract finance for climate action and resilience.

With the world approaching a system-wide crisis point, the SG’s recommendations on strategic foresight to address major catastrophic risks are extremely timely. These recommendations were given further credence by the recent IPCC report.

The UN Joint Study on the Status of Gender Equality and women’s empowerment leadership in disaster risk reduction found that inadequate attention has been given to the mutually reinforcing nature of gender inequality and disaster risk.

We are grateful to the World Meteorological Organization for collaboration toward the important goal of mitigating risk from climate and change and extreme weather.

A few weeks ago, the IPCC released their latest report with unsettling findings. Disasters, which have doubled over the last 20 years, could conceivably double again.

I express my solidarity with the people of Ukraine and call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This escalating violence -- which is resulting in civilian deaths, including children – is totally unacceptable.

UNDRR advocates for full inclusion of persons with disabilities and their leaders in developing and implementing national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction - our guiding document adopted by Member States in 2015 - repeatedly mentions their involvement. While much has been achieved, much more still needs to be done.