Maputo is hosting the International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience in Africa from 13 to 15 October, bringing together more than 500 delegates to discuss strategies for disaster prevention, financing and strengthening response capacity to natural catastrophes across the continent.

The conference is organised by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique and with the participation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), under the theme "Scaling Proactive Governance and Strategic Investment for Disaster Risk Reduction and a Resilient Africa".

The gathering brings together representatives from governments, regional organisations, financial institutions, development partners, universities, civil society and the private sector, with the aim of advancing measures to reduce the vulnerability of African countries to extreme climate events.

The conference takes place at a time when Mozambique faces significant challenges in accessing the climate financing needed to prevent and respond to the impacts of floods, tropical cyclones and droughts, which affect infrastructure, economic activity and livelihoods across the country.

The country's exposure to these phenomena, compounded by geographic and socioeconomic factors, makes the mobilisation of resources for climate adaptation, disaster prevention and community recovery particularly critical.

According to information released by the SADC Secretariat, the organisation will be represented by a delegation led by the Deputy Executive Secretary for Corporate Affairs, Judith Kateera.

The opening session is also expected to be attended by President Daniel Chapo, who serves as the African Union Champion for Disaster Risk Management, alongside other senior officials and institutional representatives.

Key topics on the agenda include preventive governance, strategic investment, preparedness for extreme weather events and the implementation of measures designed to strengthen the response capacity of African countries.

The participation of financial institutions and development partners is expected to create opportunities for dialogue on the mobilisation of resources for prevention, adaptation and recovery programmes.

The conference forms part of broader continental efforts to strengthen resilience to natural disasters and accelerate the implementation of Africa's commitments on disaster risk reduction.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=551333