The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles E. Fonseka meets with Special Representative from the United Nations Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ms. Mami Mizutori for a preliminary tête-à-tête before tackling the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, scheduled for the 18th to the 19th of May 2023 at the United Nations Headquarters, New York.
During the discussions the Secretary General, Ms. Mami Mizutori gave reassurance of the United Nation Office for Disaster Risk Reduction’s commitment for the UN Volunteers and their specialist assistance to the Seychelles with the disaster risk information for the Desinventar platform, which is to commence in September 2023. Furthermore, Minister Fonseka raised several points using local examples to place emphasis on Small Island Developing States initiative, and its characteristics with the need to cultivate the culture of resilience amongst our nation.
The meeting concluded with the Secretary General, Ms. Mami Mizutori’s reassurance that within the Political Declaration set for 18th of May 2023, Small Island Developing States will be strongly included in the decision-making.
As we approach the midpoint of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, such High-Level Meeting (HLM) with member states represents a unique opportunity to galvanize political attention and accelerate action towards the radical transformation that must take place.
In addition, the HLM also provides a platform for Member States, the United Nations system partners and other stakeholders to reflect on the findings and recommendations of the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework and formulate a forward-looking and risk-informed approach to more effectively address systemic risk.
