The Philippines has garnered high praise from global risk reduction officials for its exceptional hosting of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), which took place from October 14-18, 2024.
“You’ve set a new benchmark for the Asian Ministerial Conferences on Disaster Risk Reduction,” remarked Kamal Kishore, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction and head of UNDRR, during the conference’s closing remarks.
Kishore extended his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his personal involvement and commitment, as well as to the Philippine government for its strong leadership in disaster risk reduction efforts. “Your commitment is an inspiring example for leaders across the world,” he stated.
The UN official also expressed appreciation to all participants for their collaborative spirit in exploring ways to enhance cooperation throughout the region. “The week has beeni rich with ideas, insights, and commitments. The wealth of knowledge and innovations that exist across Asia-Pacific is a reminder of why this region leads the world in shaping the global risk reduction agenda,” Kishore added.
Earlier in the week, the UNDRR hailed the Philippines as a “guiding light” in the implementation of the Sendai Framework in the Asia-Pacific region. This framework is a global initiative aimed at reducing disaster risk and losses by 2030.
Key takeaways from the APMCDRR 2024 included the necessity for deeper discussions on disaster financing, greater participation from local governments, strengthened partnerships with the private sector, and a commitment to inclusivity that ensures no one is left behind, particularly marginalized communities. Additionally, there was an emphasis on a unified approach to disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation.
The APMCDRR serves as a regional platform for executing the Sendai Framework and marks the first time the Philippines has hosted this significant disaster conference, which attracted representatives from 69 countries worldwide.
