AU Validates Draft Common Position on Disaster Risk Reduction
The African Union Commission (AUC) has successfully convened a high-level Regional Consultation to validate the draft Africa Common Position on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), setting the stage for a united African front at the upcoming Global Platform 2025 (GP2025) for DRR.
Held on June 2, 2025, in Geneva on the sidelines of GP2025, the session drew participation from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and development partners. The consultation aimed to refine Africa’s strategic direction on DRR by aligning the draft Common Position with continental priorities, the Windhoek Declaration, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Chaired by Hon. Natangwe Paulus Ithete, Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy, the session emphasized inclusive, member-state-led dialogue. “This consultation is critical to ensuring that Africa speaks with one voice on global disaster risk reduction platforms,” Hon. Ithete said.
He confirmed the draft’s full alignment with the Windhoek Declaration, urging nations to mobilize local resources toward DRR efforts.
Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of the AUC’s Sustainable Environment Division, hailed the consultation as a milestone. “This marks a pivotal moment for Africa. Our shared determination to save lives and safeguard economies is evident in our unity and action,” she said.
The draft Common Position reflects survey-based inputs from Member States and consolidates Africa’s DRR experiences, challenges, and aspirations. It prioritizes increased risk knowledge, inclusive financing, and stronger regional cooperation to reduce vulnerabilities from natural hazards—especially floods and droughts, which account for over 90% of disasters on the continent.
Amjad Abbashar, Chief of UNDRR Africa, warned that the continent remains highly exposed to risk and emphasized the urgency of implementation. “We have just five years until the end of the Sendai Framework. Accelerated action is essential to meet Africa’s development goals,” he said.
The consultation also allowed delegates to engage with findings from the Global Assessment Report 2025 and underscored the need for a collective voice ahead of GP2025’s high-level segment.
