India has proposed the establishment of a United Nations-backed global facility aimed at enhancing disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts worldwide. The initiative seeks to provide financial support to vulnerable nations facing climate-related disasters.
At the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) held in Geneva, Dr. P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, called for the creation of a global facility supported by the UN system and multilateral financial institutions. This facility would offer catalytic funding, technical assistance, and a platform for knowledge exchange to bolster DRR efforts globally.
Dr. Mishra emphasized the absence of a dedicated international financial mechanism to support the establishment and strengthening of DRR financing systems. He highlighted India's commitment to developing a nationally driven yet internationally supported DRR financing framework.
India showcased its robust DRR financing system at the GPDRR, which has grown from a $1 million allocation to a projected $42 billion under the 16th Finance Commission. This system is underpinned by the Disaster Management Act of 2005, transforming disaster financing from a reactive mechanism into a structured and predictable system.
In recognition of India's advancements in disaster preparedness and early warning systems, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), was honored with the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. His work in enhancing cyclone forecasting and developing impact-based warnings has significantly reduced cyclone-related fatalities.
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