The G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) held its inaugural meeting in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India, from 30th March to 1st April 2023. The meeting was attended by over 80 delegates and focused on implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
THE G20 India Presidency has taken a significant step towards building a safer and more resilient world against the devastation caused by disasters. The first Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) meeting took place from the end of March for two days in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The event was attended by 88 delegates from G20 nations, invitee countries, and international organizations. The discussions focused on global coverage of early warning systems, disaster-resilient infrastructure, stronger national financial frameworks, disaster response systems, and increased application of ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from the G20 DRR Working Group to explore new and innovative ways of implementing ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk reduction. The second meeting is set to be held from May 23 to 25 in Mumbai. This event has demonstrated the importance of global cooperation in building resilience to disasters and emphasized the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, with a focus on building resilient communities worldwide. The ongoing efforts of the G20 DRR Working Group are vital to ensure that communities around the globe are better prepared for and protected against the risks of disasters.
The meeting was also an opportunity for the delegates to get a glimpse of the cultural heritage and cuisine of Gujarat, along with a field visit to the Smritivan Earthquake Memorial and Museum at Bhuj. Exhibits and presentations depicting the resilience shown by people during the devastating 2001 earthquake in the Kutch region of Gujarat were showcased to the visiting delegates. The event has been a significant milestone in advancing the global Disaster Risk Reduction agenda, and the G20 DRR Working Group will continue to lead the way in creating a safer and more sustainable world for all.
Sourced from G20 site
