Africa needs to accelerate the commitments of the Nairobi Declaration to enhance disaster risk management in the Continent. This was the key rhetoric coming from the just concluded 17^th Session of the Africa Working Group for Disaster Risk Reduction (AWG-DRR). The three day event took place in Maputo, Mozambique 16-18 March 2022.

Delegates discussed ways to accelerate action towards implementing the Africa Programme of Action for the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa (PoA). With 2030 fast approaching, the Matrix for the PoA’s implementation was also critically discussed, to enhance traction of actions by member states and regional economic communities (RECs). The Nairobi Declaration was adopted at the last Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP) held in Kenya in November 2021.

The AfRP is part of series of events organized in preparation of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The 7^th Session of the Global Platform is scheduled to take place in Bali, Indonesia from 22-28 May 2022. In lead up to the Global Platform, the AWG-DRR also served as an opportunity for the experts to shape up the Africa Position to the 7^th Session of theGlobal Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The AWG-DRR also provided an opportunity to Mozambique as the host country to share its experiences in disaster risk reduction. The country has been battered by cyclones in the recent past. Cyclone Idai in 2019 devastated much of the country, and even within the timeframe of the AWG session, the country was in the midst of Cyclone Gombe. Nevertheless, the country has stepped up measures to reduce the loss of lives and property by the disasters. During the event, a discussant from the National Disasters Management Institute, shared the organisation’s experiences in rapid response and long-term considerations for the country’s resilience, including disaster resilience infrastructure. The country was also especially commended for regularly reporting on the Sendai Framework Monitor (SFM) and its pivotal role in the continental disaster risk reduction discourses. In the just concluded 35^th AU Assembly, H.E. Felipe Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique was recently appointed as the Africa Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management. Mozambique is also hosting the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre in Nacala.

At the AWG-DRR opening session, the Government of Mozambique was represented by Fernando Bemane de Sousa, the Vice-Minister of Land and Environment who welcomed the delegates to Maputo and commended the African Union Commission for the collaboration with Mozambique in organization of the 17^th session of the AWG-DRR.

Mr. Harsen Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, AUC, who chaired the Session gave opening remarks on behalf of AUC, and highlighted progress made by the Commission, including the recent operationalization of the Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) Situation Room.

Ms. Sithembiso Gina, Senior Programme Officer SADC, who represented SADC highlighted the value in the operationalization of SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operation Centre (SHOC) and the role it will play in galvanising disaster risk reduction efforts in Mozambique and the region in general.

Representing the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Africa Mr. Amjad Abbashar called for high-level participation of the AU Member States in the 7^th Global Platform to strongly reflect African voice in the outcome of the platform.

The 17^th session of the AWG-DRR was attended by representatives from Member States, RECs and partner institutions, youth, academia and inter alia.

The AWG-DRR meets biannually. The 18^th session of the working group is set to take place later in the year.

For Media Inquiries contact:

MolaletTsedeke |Directorate of Information and Communication, African Union Commission | E-mail:MolaletT@africa-union.org; Tel. +251-911630 631

Further Information:

Mr. Gatkuoth Kai| Technical Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction| Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, Department for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment | E-mail: KaiG@africa-union.org | WhatsApp: +251 909537884