Africa-Arab Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction pledge cooperation on efforts to address natural disasters

The first joint Africa-Arab Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction was recently held in Tunis, Tunisia, bringing together key stakeholders from both regions to address the pressing issue of natural disasters. The conference saw a commitment from Africa and Arab countries to collaborate and promote the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 to 2030. During a chat with CNBC Africa's Jill de Villiers, Mami Mizutori, Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction at UNISDR, emphasized the importance of this joint effort. Mizutori highlighted that the previous practice of holding separate regional platforms for Arab and African countries was not sufficient, as disasters do not adhere to borders and impact regions indiscriminately. Whether it's droughts, floods, or dust storms, disasters affect both Africa and the Arab world alike. By coming together and sharing best practices, lessons learned, and diverse experiences, the two regions can strengthen their resilience. The interview also touched on two significant reports that were recently released. The first report is the IPCC report, which sounds an alarm on the current status of climate change. While striving to meet the targets set in the Paris Agreement, there's a pressing need for increased efforts as we're falling behind. Mizutori stressed the importance of the report for disaster risk reduction, noting that extreme weather events are becoming the 'new normal,' making the findings of the IPCC report even more crucial. Furthermore, UNISDR released a report on economic losses related to disasters on the occasion of the International Day for Disaster Reduction. This report underscores the economic impact of disasters and highlights that the current data on economic losses due to disasters is only a fraction of the actual figures. Mizutori pointed out that a significant portion of major disasters, especially those affecting Africa and the Arab region, are not adequately reflected in economic loss reports. The report also draws a direct link between climate change and 91% of natural hazards, emphasizing the urgency for robust disaster risk reduction strategies and databases at national and local levels. Looking ahead, Mizutori outlined the key outcomes desired from the joint platform. These include two declarations from African and Arab countries, along with a joint communique. The emphasis is on securing strong political commitments from all countries to prioritize disaster risk reduction. The aim is also to encourage a substantial number of member states to establish national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020. Additionally, there's a call for inclusivity in the approach, ensuring that vulnerable populations like women, children, and persons with disabilities are not overlooked in disaster response and preparedness efforts. The joint Africa-Arab Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction serves as a critical milestone in fostering regional cooperation and unity in the face of natural disasters. This collaborative approach is essential in building resilience, reducing economic losses, and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against disasters.