Enterprises from the Americas and the Caribbean renew their commitment to the Sendai Framework and sustainable development

The private sector convened in Bogota during the III Regional ARISE Forum for the Americas and the Caribbean, where the ARISE Networks Declaration was signed. The event, held on July 5th and 6th, 2023, brought together leaders and focal points from the ARISE Networks in the region to share knowledge and experiences on disaster risk reduction, prevention, preparedness, and response.

The Declaration reaffirms the private sector's commitment to the goals and targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It recognizes the importance of disaster risk reduction for sustainable development and acknowledges the challenges posed by climate change and the need to build resilient societies. Collaboration between businesses, academia, civil society, and governments is emphasized as fundamental to achieving these objectives.

Representatives from the ARISE Networks made specific commitments that highlight the networks' work in the region, positioning ARISE as the strategy that articulates the interests and needs of businesses, bridging the gap to create public-private partnerships in implementing actions to reduce disaster risk.

"The third ARISE Regional Forum was an excellent opportunity to reaffirm our commitment in proactively building resilience, to share best practices, and build relationships with regional partners for greater impact," said Lizra Fabien, a member of the ARISE Global Board. "strengthens our commitment as the Private Sector and key stakeholder in this process. We look forward to the exponential impact that we as committed ARISE members ignite," she added.

Adriana Solano, Executive President of the Colombian Safety Council - CCS and focal point of ARISE Colombia, highlighted the importance of the private sector in Disaster Risk Reduction, "especially in the face of the challenges posed by climate change for all organizations, regardless of their sector or size." She also specified how the final declaration reinforces the private sector's commitment in the region. "By strengthening the four prioritized pillars of ARISE - SMEs, Insurance, Investments, and Infrastructure - the networks in the region will make every effort to achieve the common goal of creating societies capable of withstanding and recovering from disaster situations. Only through cooperative and collaborative work can businesses become more sustainable and resilient," she stated.

In this declaration, they first committed to promoting investment in disaster risk reduction, fostering the implementation of early warning systems, conducting risk assessments, and supporting the development of resilient infrastructure. The importance of public-private and multisectoral partnerships was also emphasized, with a commitment to promoting collaboration between the private sector, governments, and local communities.

Awareness and education were also fundamental pillars of the statement. Emphasis was placed on the importance of raising awareness among stakeholders and developing capacities in individuals, businesses, and communities to take appropriate actions in reducing disaster risk.

Lastly, support for research and development was emphasized as well, recognizing the need to advance in disaster risk reduction practices through collaboration with academic institutions and research organizations. The management of knowledge was also highlighted as a fundamental tool for coordinated and efficient decision-making by the private sector.

"We must continue to engage the private sector in intersectoral efforts to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework. This consolidated collaboration will strengthen our investment, strategy development, and risk assessment actions. Only together will we be able to build the sustainable development we deserve. And this declaration is a significant step towards that goal," said Nahuel Arenas García, chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean.

The commitment of the private sector in the III ARISE Regional Forum demonstrates its intention to contribute to the construction of a sustainable and resilient future in the Americas and the Caribbean by collaborating with governments, communities, and other stakeholders. Additionally, it aims to promote efforts towards achieving the goals of the Sendai Framework and accelerate disaster risk reduction actions in the region. Incorporating risk into private sector investment decisions and promoting resilience in business models are key aspects to ensure protection against disasters and achieve safer and more prepared societies.