Using DRR to Address Inequality and Reduce Vulnerability – G20, Brazil

Ahead of the second G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Meeting, GNDR, along with UNDRR’s Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism (SEM), coordinated an in-person technical session in Rio de Janeiro in July: Using DRR to Address Inequality and Reduce Vulnerability.

Technical session

This session adopted a whole-of-society approach to discuss and implement DRR initiatives aimed at reducing vulnerability and inequality. It featured a combination of panellist, interactive discussions, and Q&A sessions.

The workshop included diverse perspectives from G20 member countries, experts, civil society, and community voices. By fostering holistic approaches, effective governance mechanisms, investments, local ownership, and a commitment to accessibility for all, the session laid the groundwork for SEM advocacy and address key issues of vulnerability and inequality, leading up to the global stakeholder forums during GPDRR25.

Recommendations for the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group:

• To better address disasters and shocks, we must be prepared with information and knowledge, having systems and mechanisms in place and adequate financing for preparedness and response that can contribute to building long term resilience
• Building resilience requires system change, and a change in mindset of how we approach disaster
• The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction offers solutions for an integrated approach – through which, we can achieve implementation of SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the Agenda for Humanity in a much more cohesive way. The Sendai Framework offers solutions that can reduce the cost of addressing Loss and Damage while we continue to find solutions to reduce emissions
• As part of bringing transformational changes in terms of the way we address disasters – it is critical to invest in reducing vulnerability and inequality – investing in preparedness especially for those who live in poverty and marginalisation – the national governments must continue to increase funding in the area of risk reduction through risk-informed development approaches
• Importantly, all these actions require a whole of the society approach – no government alone can face the challenges without the engagement of civil society organisations, the private sector and other actors
• Yet, all these actions will be unsustainable without the leadership of people living in poverty and inequality – those who are the most marginalised in the society – especially women and young people