Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku highlighted the challenges small economies face in disaster risk management, emphasizing the critical role of adequate financing in implementing preventive measures. Speaking at the high-level meeting on the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015-2030 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA, under the theme “Working Together for a Resilient Future,” Masuku underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address these challenges.
Addressing the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Masuku expressed concerns over the financial constraints hindering the implementation of disaster risk management plans, leaving communities vulnerable to preventable risks. He acknowledged that while Eswatini is progressing in developing a disaster risk management fund, there are apprehensions about its adequacy to cover the costs associated with climate change impacts and related damages.
Masuku called for close cooperation between climate change and disaster risk reduction practitioners and institutions to avoid duplication of efforts and optimize the utilization of limited resources. He emphasized the importance of improving risk understanding, which aligns with the priorities of the Sendai Framework for DRR. Additionally, Eswatini plans to launch a National Platform for DRR to ensure active and meaningful participation of communities and all sectors of the economy in disaster risk reduction.
The Deputy Prime Minister further outlined the country’s commitment to institutionalize systematic risk monitoring through the development of a disaster risk management monitoring framework. Collaborating with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Eswatini will also implement the Global Risk Framework.
Recognizing the integral role of disaster risk management in sustainable development, Eswatini has incorporated DRR into various government policies and programs. The Water Management Policy of 2017, Drought Management Plan 2019, and the 2022 National Development Plan, among others, prioritize DRR. Masuku emphasized that sustainable development cannot be achieved without effective disaster risk management.
Alongside the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Masuku participated in a side event focused on children’s participation in DRR, highlighting the importance of engaging young minds in building resilience. He also had a private meeting with a special representative of the UN Secretary-General, where they discussed opportunities for mutual collaboration.
The engagement at the United Nations provides Eswatini with a platform to share its experiences, challenges, and strategies in disaster risk reduction. By actively participating in international discussions and collaborations, Eswatini aims to strengthen its disaster preparedness and response mechanisms while contributing to global efforts in building a resilient future.
