Latest news with #UNOfficeforDisasterRiskReduction
Hi Dubai
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hi Dubai
UAE Secures Chair of UNDRR Support Group, Becomes First Arab Nation to Lead Global Disaster Risk Dialogue
Ambassador Jamal Jama Al Musharakh, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, has been unanimously appointed Chair of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Support Group for the 2025–2026 term, marking a historic first for the Arab world. Assuming the role in August 2025, the UAE will take over the chairmanship from Ethiopia, signaling a new chapter in global disaster resilience leadership. The appointment reflects the UAE's growing diplomatic heft and its unwavering commitment to international cooperation on climate change and sustainable development—because let's face it, Mother Nature's tantrums aren't going anywhere. Ambassador Al Musharakh stressed the UAE's resolve to embed disaster risk reduction into development planning, prioritizing international collaboration and protection for the most vulnerable. 'We aim to transform resilience from a buzzword into a blueprint,' he told Member States, while presumably keeping a weather eye on climate-induced chaos. The UNDRR Support Group serves as a key forum for implementing the Sendai Framework 2015–2030, a global strategy to curb disaster risks and losses. As Chair, the UAE will steer this effort with the precision of a seasoned navigator in a storm, setting priorities and anchoring discussions amid escalating climate threats. With this appointment, the UAE not only takes the helm—it charts a course for a more resilient, better-prepared global community. News Source: Emirates News Agency
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.
