Context: India reaffirmed its commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction during the recent G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group ministerial meeting in Belém, Brazil. 

• The Indian delegation, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Principal Secretary, P.K. Mishra, called for global cooperation in technology transfer, knowledge exchange, and sustainable development to boost disaster resilience.

• The meeting emphasized India’s commitment to the 2015 Sendai Framework, aimed at reducing disaster risks and losses. 

About G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group

• The G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group, formed by G20 countries, aims to integrate risk reduction measures into public and private sector investment decisions and policy making to reduce existing risk, prevent the creation of new risk and, ultimately, build resilient economies, societies, and natural systems. 

About Sendai Framework

• The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030) is a comprehensive international agreement adopted by UN member states at the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan.

• Officially endorsed by the UN General Assembly in June 2015, it succeeded the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015), enhancing global commitments to reduce disaster risks and increase resilience across communities.

• The Sendai Framework emphasizes that states hold the primary responsibility for disaster risk reduction (DRR). However, it calls for shared accountability across various stakeholders, including local governments, private sectors, civil society, and individuals. This collaborative approach ensures a comprehensive and inclusive disaster preparedness and response system.

Linkages with Other 2030 Global Agendas

• The Sendai Framework is integrally aligned with several other major 2030 Agenda agreements, collectively aiming to create a sustainable and resilient future:

• Paris Agreement on Climate Change: Tackles climate change, recognizing that climate-related disasters are exacerbated by global warming.

• Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development: Supports financing mechanisms for sustainable development, including disaster risk reduction.

• New Urban Agenda: Emphasizes building resilient cities and urban areas with sustainable infrastructure.

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Shares common goals with SDGs, particularly Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and Goal 13 (Climate Action).

Global Targets of the Sendai Framework

• To track progress and impact, the Sendai Framework includes seven global targets aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience:

• Reduce global disaster mortality by 2030.

• Reduce the number of affected people globally by disasters.

• Reduce direct economic loss in relation to global GDP.

• Reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and services.

• Increase the number of countries with national and local DRR strategies.

• Enhance international cooperation to support DRR in developing countries.

• Increase the availability and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information.

India’s Participation and Role at the G-20 Meeting:

• India initiated the establishment of the G-20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group during its G-20 presidency in 2023, underscoring India’s proactive stance in global disaster risk management.

• India’s strategic priorities for disaster risk reduction, aligned with its G-20 presidency agenda:

• Strengthening early warning mechanisms to reduce loss of life and property by providing timely alerts for impending disasters.

• Promoting infrastructure that can withstand natural disasters, ensuring community safety and continuity of services.

• Developing financial mechanisms to fund disaster risk reduction initiatives, emphasizing public and private partnerships.

• Implementing strategies for sustainable and resilient recovery post-disaster, facilitating quicker rebuilding with improved resilience.

• Encouraging the use of natural ecosystems as buffers against disasters, like afforestation to prevent soil erosion and mitigate flood risks.

• Troika Meeting: The Indian delegation also participated in a troika meeting with Brazil and South Africa, aligning on shared priorities and exploring collaborative frameworks for disaster resilience in the Global South.

• Global Cooperation: The necessity for global cooperation in technology transfer and sharing of best practices. This includes developing scalable solutions that countries, especially vulnerable ones, can adopt to enhance their disaster preparedness and resilience.

• Sustainable Development Link: Emphasis was placed on sustainable development practices as foundational to disaster resilience, aligning with the Sendai Framework’s holistic approach to risk reduction across social, environmental, and economic sectors.