(KPL) Mr. Lee Pao Yang, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, led a delegation from the Lao PDR to participate in the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), held from October 14 to 17, 2024, in Manila, Philippines.

Mr. Sonexay Vannaxay, Ambassador of the Lao PDR to the Philippines, also joined the Lao delegation. 

Under the theme “Surge to 2030: Enhancing ambition in Asia Pacific to accelerate disaster risk reduction”, the meeting brought together Ministers and policymakers from across Asia-Pacific region to discuss strategies for reducing disaster risks in the face of increasing climate related challenges.

The conference, running across the week from 14-18 October, is focused on greater action on resilience in the face of increasing disaster and climate risk.

At the opening ceremony, Filipino President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr emphasised the need for stepping up action, "We share a common struggle, navigating the balance between continued economic growth and dealing with the ever-present threat of disasters. Our path now is to redouble efforts to accelerate action". 

Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction underlined "the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most disaster-prone areas in the world but also a pioneer on disaster risk reduction which has been replicated around the world".

He highlighted the Philippines as leading on inclusive approaches with more than 40 government departments along with civil society and the private sector engaged on the APMCDRR and wider DRR programmes.

"The future looks uncertain - increasing and more complex disasters and we are lagging behind in meeting the goals of the Sendai Framework. As we confront the realities, we must deepen collaboration, ensure dedicated funding in national budgets and local and inclusive approaches to disaster risk reduction."

At the meeting, the Lao delegation emphasized the commitment of the Lao PDR in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and its national agenda on disaster risk management. 

The Lao officials also emphasized the need for coordination among national policies, strategies, and action plans to mitigate disaster risks and enhance community resilience. They discussed the importance of preparedness and response measures to protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are often disproportionately affected during disasters.

They also emphasized the need to improve the legislative framework for disaster risk reduction and adaptation to climate change, focusing on integrating disaster risk reduction into national and local development plans and programmes. 

The APMCDRR is the main platform in Asia and the Pacific to monitor, review and enhance cooperation for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 at the regional level.

KPL