As part of its participation at the World Expo 2020 Dubai, the African Union has put together a forward-looking programme focused on the promotion of the implementation of Agenda 2063. The first event was to commemorate the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, on 13^th October. The African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Expo 2020 Dubai team, organized an event under the theme: Disaster Risk and Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience.

The goal of the event was to identify advocacy opportunities to highlight how good disaster risk governance, planning and implementation leads to reduced numbers of people affected by disasters. This event aimed to showcase Africa’s efforts on disaster risk reduction with focus on linking Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) to early action through innovative disaster risk financing. The event featured achievements of selected countries which have capacity to develop and implement integrated whole-of-society action on disaster risk reduction, including for hazards and biological risks such as COVID-19;  the ongoing establishment of continental MHEWS situation for natural hazards; Africa RiskView – the Technical Engine of Africa Risk Capacity (ARC) Agency, which is a software ARC innovation tool that allows countries to analyze and monitor their drought-related food security risk, define their participation in ARC using transparent criteria, and monitor potential ARC pay outs.  Discussions took place during the event on the implementation of Africa Road map for improving the availability, access and use of disaster risk information for early warning and early action, including in the context of transboundary risk management.

Speakers during the event emphasized the need for paradigm shift from single-hazard disaster management funds to multi-hazard disaster risk management funds, and underscored the need to promote Africa’s visibility on the global stage, as well as to share best practices to contribute to global efforts in linking MHEWS to early action. It was underlined that disaster risk reduction must be included in national development plans and climate adaptation plans and budgets, across all parts of government, to achieve a reduction of disaster risks, and that an all of society approach is key to achieve good governance and DRR.  National platforms are a key mechanism to operationalize an all of society approach that includes, among others, the private sector.

In his capacity as the AU Expo Commissioner General, Dr. Levi Uche Madueke said “Yesterday, the 13^th of October saw a remarkable start to our events calendar, as we gathered some of the best minds on the African continent, under the expert guidance of Commissioner for Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment in the African Union Commission – H.E Josefa Leonel Correia Sacko - speaking on Disaster Risk and Reduction. For many, this may have been a coincidence but for us, this was the right and fitting start, showing the world that as a continent, we can and are capable of being amongst leading minds in driving change and finding solutions to the global challenges on the subject of climate change”.

“As a continent with the large pool of youth, who hold so much potential and readiness to partake in the evolution of the world - Africa is open and ready to do business - with all international investors as well as those who may be interested in being a part of our continent’s future. This is the perfect time for us to not only be a part of the conversations but lead the conversations as a continent beaming with a lot of untapped potential and resources,” concluded Dr. Madueke.

The official AU at Expo 2020 website: https://africaexpo2020dubai.au.int/en /

Watch the Disaster Risk and Reduction (DRR) and Climate Resilience event here

Notes to Editors:

At the 28^th Extraordinary Summit that took place in January 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia the African Union’s Heads of State and Government, adopted the Programme of Action (PoA) for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa. The PoA outlines how Africa aims to implement the Sendai framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDRR) on the continent.

Since 2015, countries in Africa have dedicated significant efforts to the design of DRR strategies aligned to the Sendai Framework (SFM)  for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and DRR mainstreaming into different policies. At least, 19 countries in Africa have validated DRR strategies or policies aligned to the framework and 14 countries are in the process of developing or validating their strategies. In general, a good level of alignment to the framework is observed. As the reporting process continues, a more comprehensive picture of the DRR policy landscape in Sub-Saharan Africa will emerge.

Read more about the Biennial Report on the Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa @ https://au.int/en/documents/20200805/first-africa-biennial-report-disaster-risk-reduction-synopsis-report

For further information please contact:

Mr. Lunga Kupiso | Public Relations & Media Officer - AUC at Expo 2020 | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: auexpomedia@africa-union.org  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Mr Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer| Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission | E-mail:   GamalK@africa-union.org | 

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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