Latest news with #GlobalPlatformforDisasterRiskReduction
GMA Network
16-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
SM Prime's Hans Sy champions private sector leadership in disaster resilience at UNDRR Global Platform 2025
Hans Sy speaking in the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and co-chaired by the Government of Switzerland. Photo from Antoine Tardy for the UNDRR. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy reaffirmed the vital role of the private sector in disaster risk reduction (DRR) during the 2025 Global Platform of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), held in Geneva, Switzerland. Representing the Philippine private sector at the Ministerial Roundtable on 'Accelerating Financing and Resilience,' Sy underscored how businesses can help drive scalable, science-based resilience solutions. Private sector as a force multiplier in DRR 'Resilience strengthens businesses while safeguarding lives and communities,' Sy stated. 'We know the government cannot do it alone. The private sector is ready to do more.' Sy underscores the need for policies, incentives, and institutional support to scale up disaster risk reduction investments at the UNDRR Global Platform 2025. He cited SM Prime's integrated approach to DRR, which includes allocating a significant portion of project costs to disaster-resilient infrastructure and applying science-driven planning frameworks. Sy also pointed to cross-sector initiatives such as the Adopt-a-City Program with the National Resilience Council and joint capacity-building programs with ARISE Philippines and the Department of Trade and Industry as examples of effective public-private partnerships. Embedding resilience into core business strategy In a High-Level Dialogue on scaling DRR financing, Sy outlined SM Prime's approach to mainstreaming resilience across its developments. He highlighted features such as elevated mall structures, built-in rainwater catchment systems, and earthquake-resistant designs—solutions that have minimized disruption and enabled rapid recovery in the face of disaster. The SM Mall of Asia Complex features a higher seawall and elevated design to guard against rising sea levels. (Inset) Deep, wide drainage channels—large enough to fit two buses side by side—further protect the area from storm surge flooding. Call to scale resilience investment To expand DRR financing, Sy called for enabling mechanisms that combine policy support, institutional cooperation, and targeted incentives. 'From the standpoint of the private sector, financial, non-financial and regulatory incentives are among the most effective ways to accelerate investment in resilience,' he noted. His remarks underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and long-term thinking in building resilient communities. SM Prime's leadership in DRR continues to set a benchmark for sustainable development in disaster-prone regions. 'Together, we can embed resilience to build a sustainable and secure future for all,' he concluded. The article above is a sponsored press release from SM Prime Holdings.
Scoop
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Palau's President Says New Index Should Be Used To Classify Economic Position
'We face profound socioeconomic vulnerability and we cannot let GDP alone determine our eligibility for support.' Christina Persico Palau's president says the country is sometimes classified as a high-income nation based on its gross domestic product (GDP) – something he called a 'pressing injustice'. Surangel Whipps Jr delivered an address at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland, last week. Whipps said this classification ignored a 'deeper truth'. 'Many of our people live in income poverty,' he said. And climate disasters pushed them deeper into that, Whipps said. 'We face profound socioeconomic vulnerability and we cannot let GDP alone determine our eligibility for support.' He said the UN's multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI) should be used to 'ensure a more just and accurate measure of our economic reality'. The United Nations is working with small island developing states (SIDS) on the development and implementation of an MVI. The UN said most SIDS are not the poorest nations, but their costs are so much greater – and accessing financing is more difficult. 'A multidimensional vulnerability index has the potential to ensure truly inclusive sustainable development,' it said. 'These small island nations have repeatedly said that traditional measures of development insufficiently capture their vulnerabilities. 'When it comes to financing, debt relief and aid, the use of unsuitable, outdated, simplistic [gross national income] measurements unfairly lock out SIDS from accessing the help they need.' Whipps also spoke on climate impacts in his nation, and said the dialogue's theme – 'Everyday counts – act for resilience today' – 'resonates deeply with us in Palau'.
Scoop
14-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Palau's President Says New Index Should Be Used To Classify Economic Position
Palau's president says the country is sometimes classified as a high-income nation based on its gross domestic product (GDP) - something he called a "pressing injustice". Surangel Whipps Jr delivered an address at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva, Switzerland, last week. Whipps said this classification ignored a "deeper truth". "Many of our people live in income poverty," he said. And climate disasters pushed them deeper into that, Whipps said. "We face profound socioeconomic vulnerability and we cannot let GDP alone determine our eligibility for support." He said the UN's multidimensional vulnerability index (MVI) should be used to "ensure a more just and accurate measure of our economic reality". The United Nations is working with small island developing states (SIDS) on the development and implementation of an MVI. The UN said most SIDS are not the poorest nations, but their costs are so much greater - and accessing financing is more difficult. "A multidimensional vulnerability index has the potential to ensure truly inclusive sustainable development," it said. "These small island nations have repeatedly said that traditional measures of development insufficiently capture their vulnerabilities. "When it comes to financing, debt relief and aid, the use of unsuitable, outdated, simplistic [gross national income] measurements unfairly lock out SIDS from accessing the help they need." Whipps also spoke on climate impacts in his nation, and said the dialogue's theme - 'Everyday counts - act for resilience today' - "resonates deeply with us in Palau".
Hans India
10-06-2025
- Climate
- Hans India
Naveen congratulates IMD DG for receiving UN award
Bhubaneswar: Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, on Monday congratulated Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), for receiving the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. Taking to X, Patnaik, a five-time former chief minister, said, 'Congratulate #Odisha's Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology of @Indiametdept on being conferred with United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. He has been awarded for his pioneering work in reducing cyclone-related fatalities across the Indian Ocean region. #Odisha is proud of your achievement.' Mohapatra, who hails from Bhadrak district and is popularly known as the 'Cyclone Man of India,' was recognised for his outstanding contributions to tropical cyclone forecasting and early warning systems. He has been serving as the IMD Director General since 2019. He is also one of the three vice-presidents of the World Meteorological Organisation, the UN agency for climate change, weather and water. The award was presented during the eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Geneva recently. In a message, Mohapatra said, 'Received United Nations Sasakawa Award, 2025 for disaster risk reduction. I am really grateful.' Earlier this year, Mohapatra received the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission Outstanding Service Award 2025 from the American Meteorological Society in recognition of his transformative work in enhancing tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems.
New Straits Times
07-06-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Thai early warning move a relief for Kelantan flood victims
KOTA BARU: Residents living along Sungai Golok, who have been affected by annual floods for years, have expressed relief following Thailand's agreement to issue early warnings before releasing water from its upstream dams. Farmer Abdul Rahman Salleh, 57, of Kampung Lanchang, said the move would help reduce their losses caused by the floods. "We often had little time to respond to rising water levels every time floods hit our village. "Even a few hours' notice can make a big difference. We can move our belongings and take our children to safety," he said. Another resident, housewife Noraini Mat, 42, said the monsoon seasons in recent years had been traumatic for many flood victims. "Sometimes, the water rises overnight. We only find out when it's already too late. "This news gives us some hope," said the mother of five. On June 5, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Thailand had agreed to notify Malaysia at least three to four days in advance before releasing water from its dams, to allow preparations against potential overflow of Sungai Golok. Zahid said he had raised the matter during a meeting with his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also the home minister, on the sidelines of the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Geneva.
