Stakeholders in resilience building converged in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 14-16 March 2023 for the nineteenth session of the Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AWGDRR). The theme of the 19th session was "From commitments to action-the path to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) for the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa".

H.E. Diosdado Obiang Mbomio, Minister of Forestry and Environment of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea opened the event. In his remarks, he said, "The Disaster Management framework for Equatorial Guinea has prioritised reducing risk in line with the Programme of Action for the Implementation of Sendai Framework. The risk profile for Equatorial Guinea was developed with the support of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction in efforts to understand and reduce disaster losses. To address increasing disaster losses, my government has built sea embankments along the coast, and the fruits of this initiative are visible for all to see". The Minister further underscored the role played by the country to contribute to the development of the Africa Urban Resilience Programme and the Africa Multi-hazard Early Warning and Action System (AMHEWAS). "The Government of Equatorial Guinea expresses its gratitude to the African Union Commission for the opportunity to host the 19th Session of the AWGDR in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea", he said.

Mr Harsen Nyambe Nyambe, Director of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy (SEBE) at the African Union Commission (AUC), stated that the institution was committed to accelerating the PoA. Demonstrating the AUC's effort in accelerating the implementation of the PoA, Mr Nyambe highlighted AUC's programmes for bolstering resilience on the continent. These include AMHEWAS, Africa Urban Resilience Programme (AURP), DRR Governance Programme, COVID-19 Recovery Framework for Africa and Green Recovery Action Plan, African Union Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2032, and Revised Africa Integrated Strategy for Meteorology (Weather and Climate Service). The Director acknowledged AU Member states and international partners' support towards implementing the PoA and related programmes. He applauded the new funding mechanism ushered in the new 'Team Europe Initiative" (TEI) on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction and emphasised that the AUC was working with the European Union to define the implementation arrangements for the TEI.

In his remarks, Mr Amjad Abbashar, Chief, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Regional Office for Africa, stated that Data from recent reports, including the Global Assessment Report 2022 and others, indicated Africa's high vulnerability to hazards. Looking forward to the event, he appreciated the progress achieved in Africa towards reducing risk from disasters through the newly launched Intra-Africa Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Natural Disaster Risk Reduction (NDRR) Programme that is funded through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF 11). He also pointed out the potential of the TEI and the Early Warning Initiative as championed by Antonio Gutierres, United Nations Secretary-General.

The participants took stock of the action arising from the 18th session held in Algeria. Key achievements realised since the 18th Session in October 2022 were as follows: (i) The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat has recruited staff to operationalise its Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) in Nacala, Mozambique. This step was a remarkable achievement that will accelerate the operationalisation of the SHOC and the PoA. (ii) The 42nd Session of the AU Executive Council endorsed the Progress Report on establishing the Continental Civil Capacity Mechanism for Disaster Preparedness and Response. The Executive Council urged the AU Commission to expedite the development of the Statute of the Mechanism. Mr Nyambe noted that the process leading to the establishment of the Statute was in progress.

The session also discussed various gains, including those made through AMHEWAS, AURP, RECs, MS and partners across the continent. Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), partners, media, academia, and the private sector attended the event. The 19th session also brought more inclusivity aboard, with the representation of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs). Women from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Sahel Region also participated through the support of UN WOMEN.

The organisation of the AWGDRR is made possible through financial support from the European Union through the 11th EDF NDRR Programme. The AUC renews its appreciation to the EU, Government of Italy, Government of Sweden, GIZ, UNDRR, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners for their continued support.

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Gatkuoth Kai| Technical Coordinator for Disaster Risk Reduction| Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy, | E-mail: KaiG@africa-union.org | WhatsApp: +251 909537884

For media enquiry:

Mr. Molalet Tsedeke, Information and Communications Directorate | African Union Commission|+251-911-630 631; Molalett@africa-union.org

Ms. Maryanne Muriuki, Communication Specialist, Disaster Risk Reduction Unit, Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, AU Commission. Email: MuriukiM@africa-union.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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