A commemorative event, in the context of the 2023 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR), was held on Friday at the Municipal Council of Curepipe, under the theme Fighting inequality for a Resilient Future. IDDRR 2023 thus presented an opportunity to acknowledge global progress in preventing and reducing disaster risk and losses, while also looking at the reciprocal relationship between disasters and inequality.
The commemorative event in Curepipe was attended by the Parliamentary Private Secretary, Mr Soobeersingh Dhunoo; the Senior Chief Executive (SCE) of the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Dhanandjay Kawol; the Head of Office for the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr Robert Banamwana; as well as other personalities.
The SCE, speaking on behalf of the Vice-Prime Minister, Minister of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management, Dr Mohammad Anwar Husnoo, highlighted the rising disaster risk’s role in deepening inequality and vulnerability. With this year’s theme, he added, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction is using the 2023 IDDRR to raise awareness about the unequal impact of disasters and the need to address this issue for a more resilient future.
Mauritius, he recalled, has embraced the Sendai Framework since 2015, making a commitment to shift from ‘managing disasters’ to ‘managing disaster risks’ considering climate change’s growing impact and increased disaster losses.
Furthermore, Dr Kawol underscored Government’s commitment to disaster risk reduction, with a substantial allocation of 18 million rupees to support 12 municipal and district councils in their disaster resilience efforts for the community’s benefit this fiscal year. This funding reflects a resolute drive to enhance disaster prevention, preparedness, and early warning systems, with the goal of minimising loss of life, reducing the impact on individuals, damage, and economic losses, he stated.
Mr Banamwana, on his part, underscored the importance of cultivating a worldwide culture of Disaster Risk Reduction, stressing its relevance to Mauritius. He reiterated the need for increased resilience in the face of potential disasters. This entails the development of strategies and mechanisms to identify the root causes of disasters, with the UN’s committed support to the Government in this pursuit, he pointed out. The overarching goal, he stated, is to safeguard all global citizens from the impact of hazardous events.
This year, to mark IDDRR, the Ministry of Local Government and Disaster Risk Management jointly with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre, organised a series of activities, including an exhibition and demonstration by the Special Mobile Force and the Mauritius Fire and Rescue Service at the Municipal Council of Curepipe.
