Egypt advances disaster-risk financing through national workshop

As disasters and climate-related shocks place growing pressure on public finances, infrastructure, livelihoods and essential services, countries require financing mechanisms that can be activated before, during and after emergencies. Without pre-arranged financial instruments and clearly defined institutional arrangements, governments may face delays in response and recovery, increased fiscal pressure and greater long-term losses, particularly among vulnerable communities.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the United Nations Development Programme jointly organized a national workshop in Cairo, in coordination with Egypt’s National Committee for Crisis Management and Disaster Risk Reduction affiliated with the Prime Minister’s Office. The workshop brought together representatives of government and national institutions, United Nations agencies and relevant stakeholders to support the development of a national disaster-risk financing strategy.

The workshop examined the foundations of a comprehensive national approach to disaster-risk financing and resilience planning. Participants discussed the proposed structure and key determinants of the national strategy, frameworks and approaches for financing disaster risk, the classification of hazards and risks, and international practices related to preparedness and response financing. Discussions emphasized that no single financial instrument can address every type or scale of risk and that an effective strategy requires a complementary mix of mechanisms suited to different circumstances.

The event also identified next steps related to stakeholder engagement, institutional coordination, strategy development and implementation arrangements. A national disaster-risk financing strategy would provide Egypt with a more structured framework for protecting vulnerable populations, maintaining essential services, safeguarding critical infrastructure and accelerating recovery. By linking financing with climate adaptation, preparedness and sustainable-development priorities, the initiative aims to strengthen fiscal resilience, protect development gains and support more predictable and risk-informed responses to future shocks.