Kuwait city: Chairperson of Kuwait Environment Protection Society and Chair of the Event Dr. Wejdan Al-Oqab emphasized the significance of Monday’s celebration, particularly as climate change-related disasters are increasing.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Al-Oqab cited UN surveys indicating an 83 percent rise in such disasters between 2000 and 2019, compared to the period from 1980 to 1999, highlighting the urgent need for continued preventive efforts.
Dr. Al-Oqab stressed the importance of this year’s theme for the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, “Financing Resilience, Not Disasters.” The theme underscores the necessity for a shift in both local and global approaches from post-disaster response to proactive investment in prevention, capability building, and community resilience.
In her remarks, UN Secretary-General’s Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Dr. Ghada Al-Taher expressed the UN’s satisfaction in attending the event hosted by Kuwait. She noted that the event aligns with the UN’s advocacy for investing in prevention and response. Dr. Al-Taher further explained that the UN’s message is aimed at reducing disasters, enhancing risk governance, implementing multi-hazard early warning systems, and integrating risk reduction into developmental and strategic planning.