G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration emphasizes the crucial role of disaster risk reduction
This past weekend, the heads of state of the Group of Twenty (G20) nations came together at their annual summit and underscored the critical importance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) in bolstering global resilience. The representatives from the world’s leading economies reaffirmed their commitments to accelerating full implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. The statement signals a collective commitment to tackling the escalating threats posed by disasters worldwide.
A unified call to action – DRR is part of the G20 architecture
At the leaders’ Summit, heads of state discussed a variety of pressing global challenges, including climate change, economic stability, and public health. Their outcome document, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, underscored the topic and concerns of disaster risk reduction, institutionalizing DRR in the framework of the G20 by recognizing the establishment of the G20. Institutionalization of DRR in the G20 architecture reflects the understanding that DRR is not a standalone issue but an integral part of addressing the interconnected challenges facing the world today. The leaders at the Summit applauded India’s efforts to create this group and to catalyse action on DRR, and reiterated the importance of accelerating action on DRR.
From G20 to G21 – Africa is key to creating a more inclusive world
The Representatives of the 19 largest economies and the European Union, which form the G20, agreed to include the African Union as a new permanent member of the G20. They stressed the important role Africa plays in the global economy, and committed to strengthen ties with and support to the African Union. The G20 also reiterated support for Africa’s growth, particulaly of the least developed countries on the continent; and discussed deepening cooperation with other regional partners.
Highlights from the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration on DRR
- Reaffirmed commitment to the Sendai Framework and recognized the need for accelerating its full implementation.
- Urged for accelerated progress on Early Warning and Early Action through strengthening national and local capacities, innovative financing tools, private sector investment, and knowledge sharing.
- Agreed to continue to support augmentation of capabilities of all countries, including emerging economies, in particular developing countries, LDCs and SIDS, for promoting disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure systems.
- Welcomed the Global Platform for DRR and took note of initiatives such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in furtherance of such collaboration and sharing.
- Stresseed the need to support and increase women’s participation, partnership, decision-making and leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and disaster risk reduction strategies and policy frameworks on environmental issues.
The way forward
The G20 New Delhi Declaration and the Outcome Documents and Chair’s Summary of the G20 Working Group on DRR provide clear messaging about the concerns and priorities of the G20 Member States moving forward.
The Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group has identified five key priorities for action:
- Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems
- Disaster & Climate Resilient Infrastructure
- Financing Frameworks for DRR
- Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
- Nature-based & Eco-system based Approaches for DRR
As the G20 Presidency moves from India to Brazil at the end of the year, it will be critically important that all stakeholders work together, particularly those from G20 Member States, to continue catalysing collective action to reduce disaster risk.
With climate change reshaping the landscape of disaster risk, the G20 nations’ commitment to disaster risk reduction is a beacon of hope for a more resilient and sustainable future. By working together, these nations can mitigate the impact of disasters, save lives, protect livelihoods, and ultimately, build a safer and more secure world for all.