DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Asia-Pacific Chief  Discuss Possible Cooperation

MANILA 26 July 2023 — DFA Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Affairs Jesus S. Domingo met with Mr. Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) for Asia and the Pacific, on 12 July 2023 to discuss possible cooperation and initiatives on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

In the brief meeting, Undersecretary Domingo expressed to Chief Toscano-Rivalta that exploring DRR efforts by the Philippines and the UNDRR is very timely as the Philippines will host the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR).

Chief Toscano-Rivalta noted that the private sector is currently more focused on investments in climate-change mitigation efforts than those on adaptation. Undersecretary Domingo said that the 2024 APMCDRR would be a great avenue to galvanize the interest of the private sector, extend their networks, and for the business community to complement the DRR efforts of national governments.

DRR promotion in the private sector can help mobilize and influence business entities to consider DRR elements in their corporate governance.

UNDRR’s revitalized Making Cities Resilient 2030, focusing on supporting cities by making roadmaps and building partnerships to be more resilient, could also be used as a guide by local governments to implement the DRR agenda. Makati City was cited as a great example of a hub that provides coaching and support to other cities.

Both sides agreed that DRR efforts and initiatives should harmonize and synergize both the climate-change and DRR communities. END