Jakarta, June 7.- Under the theme "Reconstruction for a sustainable future: building resilience through recovery in a world transformed by COVID-19", the preparatory meetings of the Global Platform for Risk Reduction of Natural Disasters of 2022, took place, namely: the Forum of the Parties, the World Reconstruction Conference and the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference.
Representatives from more than 185 nations agreed that these meetings could not take place at a more important time. Seven years after the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and one year before the completion of its Mid-Term Review, and as a climax, the COVID-19 pandemic which violently exposed the vulnerabilities and inequities underlying the world.
At various points in the sessions, it was noted that disaster prevention, risk reduction and management, and response to extreme events are essential if we want to achieve a sustainable future for all, as well as the need for a whole-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction, building an inclusive environment of international solidarity and cooperation.
The balance of the Sendai Framework was also addressed; discussed actions to reduce disaster risk for the most vulnerable, including indigenous peoples, women, youth, and people with disabilities, to ensure their full and effective participation in decision-making; while highlighting possible synergies with sustainable development and climate action agendas and policies.
The director of the United Nations Development Program Crisis Office, Asako Okai, expressed that post-disaster recovery, including the COVID-19 pandemic, can be an opportunity to reorganize development and build global resilience. An inclusive recovery approach will help repair the structural damage caused by COVID-19 and accelerate adaptation, climate change mitigation, and poverty reduction efforts.
The Global Platform for Natural Disaster Risk Reduction, 2022 was convened by the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Association and organized jointly with the Government of Indonesia, on the island of Bali. More than 4,000 participants from 185 countries attended, both in person and virtually. Cuba was represented by its Ambassador to Indonesia, Cra. Tania Velázquez López.
Embassy of Cuba in Indonesia.