President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday called for deeper actions to reduce disaster risks and losses as he welcomed officials from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and delegates of the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).
In his speech during the courtesy call of the delegates at the Malacañan Palace, President Marcos highlighted the significance of working together to mitigate the effects of climate change and promote a more resilient Asia Pacific region.
President Marcos said disaster risk reduction, along with climate change adaptation and mitigation, are now integral measures for shaping the region’s future.
However, the President noted the increasing frequency and severity of natural hazards that “call for deeper innovation, closer cooperation, and sustained commitment.”
“Through this conference, we are presented with the opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration, especially in leveraging science and technology to alleviate the impact of climate change and ensuring that disaster risk reduction financing is accessible to all,” President Marcos said.
“By harmonizing all of our efforts, I trust we can build an Asia Pacific region that is truly adaptive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he added.
For the first time, the Philippines will host the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) from October 14 to 18 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.
It is convened by the UNDRR to promote coordination and cooperation on disaster risk reduction and the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Asia and the Pacific.
The APMCDRR outlines clear targets and priorities for action to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks.
“This conference comes at a time when our work to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is more urgent than ever. Here, we can learn from each other, strengthen partnerships, identify innovative ideas, and adopt best practices,” President Marcos said.
“Our vision is clear: to reduce disaster risks and losses, and in doing so, protect lives, livelihoods, and the social and economic assets that underpin our societies. At the heart of our efforts – all our efforts–is climate change, an issue that we have integrated in our national and regional policies,” he added.
President Marcos said the Philippine government is honored to host the gathering of experts, scientists, policy makers, and practitioners.
The APMCDRR has been previously held in China, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Mongolia, and Australia.
More than 3,000 high-level delegates, including ministers, policymakers, and expert practitioners from all sectors across the Asia-Pacific and beyond are expected to attend the event.
Before concluding his speech, President Marcos offered a toast among delegates for inclusive and united efforts in mitigating disaster risks, sharing best practices, and fostering lasting and deeper ties among countries in Asia Pacific. | PND
