UNDRR News

During the 'VII Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean’ that took place between November 1st to 4th, 2021, MCR2030 led the session "Making cities resilient: the urban challenge". The session addressed risk from a comprehensive and systemic approach, emphasizing one the one hand the need to integrate knowledge and action on climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and resilience-building in urban development; and on the other hand, the need to include local communities in building urban resilience. The winner videos of the 'Voices of the Community' contest were also presented in the session.

Campinas, Medellin, and Mexico City became the first three cities in the Americas and the Caribbean region to be recognized as "Resilience Hubs" of the Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030) initiative. The announcement was made on December 21, 2021, closing the first year of the MCR2030 initiative's activities.  These cities became Resilience Hubs for their commitment as well as progressive policy and advocacy work to address disaster and climate risks. They will serve as Resilience Hubs for the next three years continue developing their disaster resilience while inspiring other cities to do the same.

While tsunamis are not common in the Caribbean – the last major one hit 75 years ago – people are well aware of the impact of storm surges and quick to get on board with the “Tsunami Ready” program.

Some 30 countries from the Americas and the Caribbean ended a key conference on disaster risk – which drew a record attendance – with a pledge to step up action to prevent and better manage disasters.

Ministers and senior officials from the Americas and the Caribbean pledged to make their countries more resistant to hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes or pandemics, and renewed their vow to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework.

The Covid pandemic underlines why effective action on disaster prevention and management must embrace all sectors of society and involve national and international actors, a conference on risk reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean was told.

The Covid pandemic recovery provides a chance to implement green and sustainable economic and social policies, but it is far from certain that governments will seize the opportunity, the VII Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction heard today.

“In hosting what is now a virtual gathering we are already demonstrating the indispensable qualities of partnership and determination as we live through the most pressing disaster of our times,” Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness said in a video address to the opening ceremony of the Vll Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean.

With the adherence of all municipal corporations to MCR2030, Jamaica shows its commitment to achieving a sustainable and resilient future.

“I am very encouraged that the private sector is leading in so many ways,” Mami Mizutor, head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction,i told a closing session of the ARISE Forum – Americas and the Caribbean, in advance of next week’s VII Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction hosted by the Government of Jamaica.