Somalia’s Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) have reaffirmed their collaboration on enhancing disaster resilience and preparedness in the region. The two agencies held a meeting at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Monday.
The meeting was attended by the commissioner of SoDMA, Hon. Mohamuud Moallim Abdullahi, and the Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and head of the UNDRR, Madam Mami Mizutori. They discussed the progress and challenges of implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the global blueprint for reducing disaster losses and building resilience.
The commissioner of SoDMA commended the UNDRR for its exceptional support, which expedited the effective organization of the first-ever national consultation and the launching of the Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative in the region in November 2023. He said that this success showcases their commitment to advance the agenda of disaster risk reduction and preparedness at all levels.
The SRSG praised Somalia for its leadership and vision in establishing SoDMA as the designated agency to lead the EW4All initiative in Somalia. She said that the EW4All initiative aims to provide timely and actionable information to communities and authorities to reduce the impact of natural hazards and climate change. She also expressed her hope that the initiative will serve as a model for other countries in the region and beyond.
The two agencies agreed to continue their cooperation and coordination on disaster risk reduction and preparedness, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the climate crisis. They also pledged to support the implementation of the outcomes of COP28, which is expected to deliver a new global climate agreement to limit the rise of global temperatures and foster a green recovery.