PK Mishra Leads Indian Delegation as India Champions Disaster Resilience at G20, Drives Adoption of Ministerial Declaration in Cape Town

P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, has played a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the landmark declaration at the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Ministerial Meeting in Cape Town, where the Working Group adopted the Ministerial Declaration titled “Resilience for All: Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction through Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability.”

The event coincided with the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and highlighted global commitments to building resilient societies.

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In his keynote address, Dr Mishra emphasised India’s firm belief that disaster risk reduction is not merely an expense but a collective investment in a safer and more sustainable future. “India is committed to advancing multi-hazard early warning systems, leveraging anticipatory financing for anticipatory action, and promoting public-private partnerships for resilience,” he said.

Highlighting India’s leadership in disaster resilience, Dr Mishra noted the country’s instrumental role in establishing the G20 DRR Working Group in 2023. He also underscored India’s flagship initiative—the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)—which has extended technical assistance to over 50 countries, building global capacities to withstand climate and disaster risks.

Dr Mishra praised South Africa’s stewardship during its G20 Presidency for fostering a spirit of partnership and amplifying African perspectives within the global disaster risk reduction agenda.

During the Ministerial Roundtable on the Voluntary High-Level Principles for Investing in DRR, Dr Mishra outlined India’s holistic approach that integrates risk information, financing strategies, innovation, and local-level investments. “India’s governance framework embeds disaster risk reduction within the National Adaptation Plan, sectoral policies, and dedicated financing channels, ensuring that resilience, inclusivity, and sustainability are integral to development planning at all levels,” he explained.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Mishra engaged in productive discussions with key counterparts, including South Africa’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Australia’s Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, reinforcing India’s commitment to collaborative international efforts on disaster resilience.

Concluding the event, Dr Mishra reaffirmed India’s resolve to implement the Declaration’s commitments domestically and through strengthened global partnerships. “Our shared future depends on solidarity and inclusive action to reduce disaster risks. India remains steadfast in this mission,” he affirmed.

The adoption of this Ministerial Declaration on the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction underscores the G20’s collective resolve to build resilient societies capable of facing escalating natural hazards amid climate change challenges.