President Ferdinand Marcos called for renewed and streamlined efforts to accelerate disaster risk reduction (DRR) initiatives and align global goals to secure a sustainable and climate-resilient future.
In his speech during the opening of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos emphasized the need to harmonize approaches under the Sendai Framework, the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the Paris Agreement.
“We must pursue meaningful actions under these mandates to ensure a sustainable and climate-resilient future,” he said.
The president highlighted the common struggle that countries in the Asia-Pacific region face, balancing economic growth with the constant threat of natural disasters.
He urged nations to work toward a future where recovery efforts become less frequent, as disaster preparedness and adaptation become more ingrained.
“We must strive to create a future where the need for recovery becomes less frequent, as we lay the foundations for a safer, more adaptive, inclusive, and disaster-resilient region,” the President said.
The 2024 APMCDRR, themed “Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction,” focuses on scaling up investments in DRR, developing financing mechanisms, and fostering inclusion across sectors.
According to the President, several steps are needed to advance DRR, including stronger international cooperation, increased private sector engagement, and fostering open dialogue among all stakeholders.
He called for the integration of innovative approaches and greater investments to protect communities and build sustainable economies across the region.
