REMARKS BY UN RESIDENT COORDINATOR, MS BEATRICE MUTALI, INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION, 13 OCTOBER 2023

• The Guest of Honour, Hon. Minister of Lands, Dr. Elijah Muchima, MP
• Cabinet Ministers present
• The National Coordinator, DMMU, Dr Gabriel Pollen
• Permanent Secretaries present
• Senior Government Officials
• Heads of Government Statutory Bodies and Institutions
• Cooperating partners
• Country Director, World Vision International
• General Secretary, Zambia Red Cross Society
• Executive Director, Zambia River Authority
• Country Director, World Wildlife Fund
• UN colleagues
• Members of the media
• Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the UN System in Zambia, I am honoured to be part of this commemoration of the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction. This year’s global theme, “Fighting inequality for a resilient future” reminds us that we must intensify efforts to break the cycle of poverty and disaster in order to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This day provides yet another opportunity to acknowledge progress being made as well look at the work ahead that we need to do towards reducing disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

Honourable Minister, ladies and gentlemen

Zambia has over the past years experienced the impact of climate change, with frequent prolonged dry spells, extreme high temperatures, and rising incidences of field pests and floods. All these factors continue to undermine food security and erode the resilience of communities, thereby threatening the livelihoods of many households. This situation continues to contribute to the rising cost of food and energy which further presents increased threats to disruption of livelihoods of the poor population in Zambia.

A high incidence of poverty and exposure to several shocks mainly arising from hydro-meteorological hazards and their cascading effects such as epidemics and periodic incidences of macroeconomic instability that have been compounded by recent occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down economic activities, impacted livelihoods, and ultimately has increased levels of vulnerability.

Honourable Minister, ladies and gentlemen

The UN stands ready to support the Office of the Vice President through DMMU as well as relevant Government ministries and institutions to strengthen their capacity in Disaster Risk Reduction in early warning and early action, among others, through the Capacity for Disaster Reduction Initiative (CADRI) partnership. The CADRI partnership provides a unique mechanism to mobilize and pool expertise from within and outside the UN System to supplement in-country capacities in Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation.

I am pleased to note that for the full diagnosis of Disaster Risk Reduction in Zambia was undertaken by the CADRI mission under the leadership of the Government from 25 September to 6 October 2023. This process was worthwhile as the findings in the report will inform the revision of the DMMU Policy as well as the development of the National Emergency Preparedness Plan.

I have no doubt that the revision of the DMMU Policy and consequently the DMMU Act will further strengthen Disaster Risk Reduction, resilience and adaptation to move away from the traditional approach of focusing more on disaster management and mitigation.

Honourable Minister, may I take this opportunity to read the statement by the United Nations Secretary General Mr. António Guterres for this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

I QUOTE

2023 has shattered temperature records, and seen record drought, fire and floods around the world. Poverty and inequality are exacerbating these disasters.

Those with least are often at greatest risk from extreme weather. They may live in places that are more susceptible to flooding and drought; and they have fewer resources to deal with damage and to recover from it. They suffer disproportionately as a result and may be pushed further into poverty.

Fighting inequality for a resilient future, is the theme of this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. Countries must work to break the cycle of poverty and disaster by honouring the Paris Agreement, striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

We must also tackle inequality at the global level, by operationalizing the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 this year and ensuring that every person on Earth is covered by an early warning system by 2027.

This International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction let us reaffirm our commitment to investing in resilience and adaptation, and building a safe and just future for everyone, everywhere. END OF QUOTE. I THANK YOU.