Kuwait City, Kuwait (SONNA) – Somalia, represented by the Commissioner of the Disaster Management Agency, Mr. Mohamud Moalim, and his delegation, actively participated in the Sixth Session of the Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held in the State of Kuwait from 9 to 12 February 2025. The high-level meeting brought together ministers, heads of delegations, and representatives from Arab States, local governments, and regional and international organizations to address the growing challenges of disaster risks in the Arab region.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the Kuwait Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap for Arab countries to enhance resilience, reduce disaster risks, and achieve sustainable development goals. The declaration emphasized the urgent need for collective action to address the increasing frequency and severity of disasters, which have caused significant human and economic losses across the region.
Key Highlights of the Kuwait Declaration
- Commitment to the Sendai Framework and Arab Strategy
The declaration reaffirmed the commitment of Arab States to the objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2030. These frameworks aim to transition from disaster management to comprehensive disaster risk management, aligning with sustainable development policies. - Support for Palestine and Occupied Territories
The declaration highlighted the need to provide urgent support to countries affected by the Israeli occupation, particularly the State of Palestine. It called for effective contributions to rebuild affected areas in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank through the Palestinian government’s relief and early recovery plan. - Climate Financing and Disaster Preparedness
Arab States emphasized the importance of leveraging climate financing mechanisms and decisions from climate and desertification summits to improve disaster prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. - Strengthening Regional Coordination
The declaration underscored the importance of enhancing coordination among Arab countries through the Arab Coordination Mechanism for Disaster Risk Reduction (ACMDRR). It also called for the inclusion of disaster risk reduction in the agendas of all ministerial councils under the Arab League. - Inclusive Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction
A comprehensive approach involving governments, civil society, academia, youth, vulnerable groups, the private sector, and the media was emphasized to reduce disaster risks in Arab societies. - Advancement of Science and Technology
The declaration called for increased use of science, technology, and innovation to improve risk assessment, early warning systems, and disaster risk reduction activities. It also highlighted the importance of implementing the outcomes of the Arab-Africa Conference on Science and Technology for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Tunis in 2023. - Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction
Arab States were urged to increase financial investments in disaster risk reduction, particularly in resilient infrastructure projects, and to strengthen public-private partnerships.
Somalia’s Role and Contributions
Somalia’s participation in the platform reflects its commitment to addressing disaster risks and building resilience in the face of recurring natural and man-made hazards. Commissioner Mohamud Moalim emphasized Somalia’s efforts to implement disaster risk reduction strategies, particularly in the context of climate change, droughts, and floods, which have severely impacted the country in recent years.
Mr. Moalim highlighted the importance of regional and international collaboration to support Somalia’s disaster management initiatives, including capacity building, early warning systems, and sustainable recovery programs. He also stressed the need for increased financial and technical support to address the unique challenges faced by Somalia and other conflict-affected states in the region.
Call to Action
The Kuwait Declaration called on Arab governments, partners, and stakeholders to:
- Accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework and the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction.
- Strengthen disaster risk governance at local, national, and regional levels.
- Increase investments in disaster risk reduction and resilient infrastructure.
- Develop integrated databases and use advanced technologies for risk assessment and early warning systems.
- Promote innovative solutions, including nature-based approaches, for disaster risk management.
The Sixth Session of the Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction concluded with a strong commitment from all participating states to reduce disaster risks, build resilient societies, and protect lives and property. The platform was chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of Kuwait, who commended the collective efforts of Arab States in addressing disaster risks.
