PH to be host country of UN-backed conference on disaster resilience in 2024

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will be the host of the conference of Asia-Pacific countries against disaster risk reduction in 2024 backed by the United Nations (UN).

The country will host the biennial Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, which is convened by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Officials from the UN and the Philippine government led the promotion of the conference at the SMX convention center in Pasay City on Friday, October 13, which also coincides with the celebration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The conference, to be held from October 14 to 17 next year, is expected to draw over 3,000 high-level international delegates.

“The conference will provide an important opportunity to review ongoing disaster risk reduction efforts, share innovative solutions, and make new commitments to accelerate risk reduction in the world’s most disaster-prone region,” said Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, during her speech.

Mizutori said the conference will highlight the crucial role of science and technology and sustainable development in disaster resilience, among others.

“These are areas where the Philippines can share examples of its achievements, especially around inclusiveness and strengthening of local resilience,” she also said.

For her part, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga noted that the event launch was only a few weeks ahead of the 10th anniversary of Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

One of the most powerful typhoons ever recorded, Yolanda claimed the lives of more than 6,000 people in November 2013.

READ: ‘Yolanda’ death toll: 6,033

“Key lessons must be learned and relearned and our memories and imagination should fuel change after every disaster,” Loyzaga said.

“Ten years hence, we must explore how science and technology and risk communication for prevention, investments in regional, national and local anticipatory action can reduce our risks,” she added.

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