The 23rd Session of the Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AWGDRR) officially opened in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, bringing together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders from across the continent to accelerate Africa’s resilience agenda under the theme:
“Moving from commitments to action: delivering on the Windhoek Declaration and the Africa Common Position to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025.”

Co-organized by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Regional Office for Africa (UNDRR-ROA), in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and hosted by the Government of Zimbabwe, the three-day session (11–13 November 2025) aims to translate policy commitments into tangible action that strengthens resilience and disaster preparedness across Africa.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Matabeleland North Province, Honourable Richard Moyo, Extended A warm welcome to delegates from across the continent. Minister Moyo highlighted the province's firsthand experience with climate disasters and emphasized the critical importance of a collaborative "whole-of-society" approach, blending sound policies, local leadership, and the integration of science, technology, and indigenous knowledge to build resilience. He expressed Zimbabwe's honour in hosting the event, thanking the African Union Commission, the UNDRR, and development partners for their support in fostering vital dialogue on strengthening Africa’s disaster preparedness.

In his opening address, Mr. Harsen Nyambe, Director for Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy at the African Union Commission, extended profound gratitude to the Government and people of Zimbabwe for hosting the session. He highlighted critical discussions on Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, Disaster Risk Financing, and stakeholder commitments as pivotal to achieving the continent’s goals.

“By working in synergy and mobilizing resources effectively, we can accelerate the implementation of the Windhoek Declaration and the Programme of Action for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa, ultimately contributing to a safer, more prosperous, and resilient Africa for all its citizens,” Mr. Nyambe stated.

The Honourable Daniel Garwe, Minister of Local Government and Public Works of Zimbabwe, underscored the urgency of localizing continental strategies. “Our task now is to move from commitments to urgent action. By investing in preparedness, strengthening governance, and leveraging knowledge and technology, we can safeguard lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure for a more secure future for all Africans,” he said.

Minister Garwe also expressed Zimbabwe’s readiness to host the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2028.

Mr. Amjad Abbashar, Chief of UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, emphasized the session's strategic importance: “In a world of increasing and overlapping crises, this meeting ensures Africa speaks with one voice and moves decisively from strategy to impact. The outcomes will directly inform global discussions and amplify our continent's priorities.”

Echoing the session’s significance, Ms. Nana Dlamini, SADC Head of Disaster Risk Reduction, noted that the conclusions will shape Africa’s disaster risk reduction landscape for the next five years.

Over the next three days, the session will bring together key stakeholders to review progress on the Windhoek Declaration and the Africa Common Position, while charting the way forward for a more resilient continent. Discussions will focus on advancing the “Early Warnings for All” initiative and strengthening early action systems to protect lives and livelihoods better. Participants will also work toward developing a new implementation matrix for the Africa Programme of Action (2026–2030), establishing a Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Financing Mechanism, and forming a Continental Technical Working Group on Anticipatory Action. In addition, the session will emphasize the importance of inclusive DRR, infrastructure resilience, and risk-informed urban development as vital components of sustainable growth and climate adaptation across Africa.

The program includes a field visit to observe Zimbabwe’s community-based disaster risk reduction initiatives and best practices firsthand.

About the Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AWGDRR)

Reconstituted following the request of the Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (Nairobi, April 2010), the Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AWGDRR) is the Continent’s primary technical and coordination mechanism for disaster risk reduction. It plays a significant role in providing technical support to the African Union Commission, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Member States, and partners for the coordination and implementation of the Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction and its Programme of Action. The AU Commission chairs the Working Group, while the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), through its Regional Office for Africa (RoA), serves as the Secretariat.

The Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction is supported by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF 11).

For further information, please contact:

1. Mrs. Teresa Pinto, Technical Coordinator, Disaster Risk Reduction Unit | Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy | African Union Commission | E-mail: PintoT@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

For Media Inquiries: 

1. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org
2. Mr Molalet Tsedeke | Information and Communication Directorate | African Union Commission
   Tel: +251-911-630 631 | E-mail: MolaletT@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3. Ms. Maryanne Muriuki, Communications Analyst – Disaster Risk Reduction | Disaster Risk Reduction Unit | African Union Commission | E-mail: MuriukiM@africanunion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia