ASDMA convened Regional consultation on the role of G20 in strengthening cooperation on DRR
Guwahati, Rongili Barta- An online regional consultation on the Role of G20 in Strengthening International Cooperation on Disaster Risk Reduction: Global to Local Actions was kicked off today by Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), UNICEF India, G20 Secretariat India & Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi at ASDMA conference hall. The online regional consultation was based on the theme – the role of India’s G20 Presidency for Strengthening International Cooperation in Disaster Risk Reduction and its implications on regional and local level policies and actions. India’s G20 Presidency is guided by “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth ∙ One Family ∙ One Future”. The consultation was chaired by Prof. V.K. Sharma, Indian Institute for Public Administration and Vice Chairman, SSDMA, Sikkim. Esteemed representatives from the government, UN agencies and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) deliberated on augmenting knowledge and capacities for enhancing international cooperation for DRR along with its simultaneous implications on regional and local level actions. Among the other esteemed members who joined in the meeting were Dr. Krishna S. Vatsa, Member NDMA Govt of India New Delhi, Shri Tom White Chief-Emergency and DRR, UNICEF India, Shri Amit Prothi, Director General, CDRI New Delhi, Shri Ashish Sinha, Joint Secretary, G 20 Secretariat, New Delhi, Shri S. N. Tripathi, IAS (Rtd.) Director General, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Representatives from ASDMA, UNICEF and other state departments. Shri S.N Tripathi, Director General, IIPA while setting the context of the consultation emphasised on the pertinent need for transcending the rural-urban dichotomy while addressing risks with emphasis on indigenous knowledge and nature based solutions. While explaining the Role of India’s G20 Presidency in strengthening DRR Actions, Dr. Krishna Vatsa, Member, NDMA emphasized on five major areas where India has demonstrated action- oriented models including Early Warning System, Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for reducing losses, Sustainable Financial System for DRR, Continuum for Recovery and Reconstruction and Eco- system approach for Disaster Risk Reduction. Mr. Tom White, Chief of Emergency and DRR reiterated the need for a more comprehensive scientific inquiry and policies involving children so that decision making in Disaster Risk Reduction becomes visibly proactive, participatory and engaging. Shri Amit Prothi, Director General, CDRI emphasized on the need for understanding risks in a holistic manner, bringing innovation in technology for resilience and chalking out pragmatic plans for both short and long term actions on DRR. Mr Ashish Sinha Joint Secretary G20 Secretariat, Govt. of India highlighted the global importance of India as a leader in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction. He highlighted the significance of a legal framework and institutional systems for DRR which have improved governance within the country as well as supported many other countries during disasters. While Prof. V.K. Sharma demonstrated models of DRR Governance from Sikkim, Shri Mukta Ram Deka, ASDMA and Anand Prakash Kanoo, UNICEF presented the overall architecture of the Assam DRR Roadmap; a policy framework designed to achieve long term resilience in Assam. The Consultation ended with commitments to endeavour together for exchanging ideas and capacities in the areas of Disaster Risk Reduction. The Vote of Thanks for the consultation was given by Dr. Surajit Baruah, Senior Consultant, NDMA Project Assam State Disaster Management Govt. of Assam.