NDMA Chief Calls for Shared Tech Sources To Assist Vulnerable Countries from Climate Change

APP

Islamabad: The government is fully committed to implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction — the landmark 2015 agreement to reduce damage, losses, and deaths from natural and man-made hazards by the end of the decade — and has called for shared knowledge and technology to help vulnerable countries have early-warning capabilities from global tech sources, said National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt. General Inam Haider Malik.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Haider Malik stated that climate threats are global and need a global response: “No one is safe until everyone is”.

“We acknowledge all global partners and supporters who have helped Pakistan stand in the disaster and look forward to an early recovery from last year’s floods,” he said.

Recovery plans need to focus on greater participation from the developed world to carry us all together toward the common objective of a safe climate, the NDMA chief added.

The purpose of the gathering is to review the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and its seven global targets at the halfway point.

The climate-induced flooding cost over 1,700 Pakistani lives and covered as much as one-third of the country at one point, resulting in over $30 billion in damages.

Chairman Gen Inam Haider further said that Pakistan is thus facing a daunting challenge in executing its plans for recovery and reconstruction.

Gen. Malik proposed a global disaster risk reduction (DDR) fund to finance regional DRR gap needs, separate from the climate-focused financing window.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed stated that global progress toward disaster risk management has been weak and insufficient, putting at risk the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Eight years on, we must admit that our progress has not kept pace with the urgency of our days. With the known number of people affected by disasters, managing risk is not an option but a global commitment,” Amina Mohammed added.

“Our world is at a defining point in history. As we review our journey halfway to 2030, we must acknowledge that progress has been weak and insufficient,” the Deputy SG further said.