In a bid to fortify its disaster resilience efforts, Pakistan kicked off its inaugural Disaster Risk Reduction Expo (PEDRR 2023) at the Pak China Friendship Centre in Islamabad from August 16th to 18th. Organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), this groundbreaking event has drawn global partners, UN organizations, international and domestic NGOs, military responders, private sector entities, and diplomats, all united in their pursuit of comprehensive disaster risk reduction.
NDMA’s partnership with the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) underscores the collective spirit driving this expo. With a packed agenda featuring multi-forum discussions, sideline events, green talks, paper presentations, and national art and graphics competitions centered around disaster risk reduction, the expo focuses on several critical aspects.
Strengthening Disaster Forecasting and Warning Systems
One of the central pillars of the expo was the drive to establish robust and sustainable disaster forecasting and warning systems. These systems rely on the pillars of risk knowledge, risk monitoring and warning services, risk communication, and response capabilities. Given Pakistan’s vulnerability to disasters, this endeavor aims to create a seamless and interoperable cooperation framework with global partners and institutions.
People-Centric Strategies for Disaster Risk Reduction
The expo underscores the importance of people-centric strategies in disaster risk reduction. It emphasizes the need to consolidate national institutions with expertise in disaster risk reduction, culminating in the establishment of a national think tank, the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) at NDMA. This move will enable the development of technology-driven forecasting for impending national emergencies and disasters.
Aligning with Global Protocols and Sustainable Development Goals
Pakistan’s significant contributions to global disaster risk reduction frameworks and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are also highlighted. The country is gearing up to craft its own National Development Goals (NDGs) in line with global disaster risk reduction protocols.
Enhancing Food and Energy Security
Food and energy security, critical aspects of disaster resilience, are addressed through pre-planned strategies. Domestic responders will collaborate with national disaster risk reduction efforts to establish production goals that factor in disaster impact losses and future land availability.
Establishing Global DRR Financing
A pivotal call is made for the establishment of a global disaster risk reduction financing fund in alignment with UN disaster risk reduction initiatives and financial modeling. This fund will play a crucial role in investment protection, ensuring robust resilience and stable insurance for disaster risk reduction efforts.
Refining Poverty Alleviation in Disaster Contexts
Recognizing the intersection of disaster needs with poverty alleviation, the expo emphasizes the need for tangible action plans to enhance the attainability of SDGs for all countries, rather than just select developed ones.
The Role of Clean and Green Energy
Clean and green energy access emerges as a key driver for enabling disaster resilience. It is a catalyst that empowers all other disaster risk reduction enablers.
Devolved Disaster Risk Reduction Model
Pakistan’s devolved disaster risk reduction model, operating at provincial and district levels, offers significant room for expansion. This approach ensures a blended response at all tiers of governance, enhancing the nation’s overall resilience.
Knowledge Sharing and Smart National Audit
The expo promotes high-end collation and dissemination of global standard technical knowledge, keeping all stakeholders and responders informed and engaged. This collaborative approach enables a smart national audit of disaster preparedness.
As Pakistan strides confidently into the future, it showcases its time-honored resilience and unwavering commitment to withstanding potential disasters and emergencies. The Disaster Risk Reduction Expo represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward building a safer, more resilient nation, where disaster risks are mitigated, and communities are empowered to face adversity head-on.
