Tanzania has participated in the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, a key forum for promoting and strengthening cooperation among governments, stakeholders, and the United Nations system to accelerate the implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies.
Speaking during the ongoing conference in Geneva, Switzerland, held from June 2 to 6, 2025, Dr. Jim Yonazi, Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office for Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, and Coordination, said the platform serves as a vital mechanism to assess and discuss progress, and strengthen global disaster risk management through voluntary agreements by UN member states.
The currently implemented agreement is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030.
"This platform is an essential tool for enhancing cooperation in implementing other global agendas that contribute to disaster risk reduction, including the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he added.
Dr. Yonazi further stated that the outcomes of the forum are used to guide disaster risk management policy in UN General Assembly resolutions, the UN Economic and Social Council, and the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
According to Dr. Yonazi, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is responsible for organizing the Global Platform, under the mandate of the UN General Assembly. The forum is held every two years, and since its inception in 2007, it has convened seven times.
He also noted that this year’s platform focused on enhancing the implementation of the Sendai Framework by considering progress and challenges identified in its midterm review and the related 2023 UN General Assembly Resolution.
Other agenda items included strengthening national and local government strategies and disaster risk reduction plans, especially in light of the impacts of recent disasters.
“The forum discussed how to strengthen existing networks and establish new partnerships at global, national, and local levels to exchange knowledge, technology, and experiences regarding policies, programs, and investments in disaster risk reduction,” said Dr. Yonazi.
He emphasized that Tanzania’s participation in the forum contributes to the improved implementation of the Sendai Framework through the National Disaster Management Policy and Act, benefiting from global experiences and partnership opportunities.
Other outcomes include improved coordination and stakeholder participation across sectors in sustainable development initiatives, mobilization of financial resources and economic planning, strengthening of infrastructure, climate change adaptation, and protection of ecosystems in disaster risk reduction, early warning, and recovery.
“This platform will help attract increased investment in disaster management and early warning systems for all, through partnerships with UN and international institutions,” he concluded.
