Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Thembi Nkadimeng will convene the 4th meeting of BRICS Ministers responsible for disaster management portfolios next month.
The meeting, which is scheduled to take place on 8 September 2023, will be preceded by the 5th Joint Task Force technical engagement.
The two meetings will be organised under the theme: ‘Strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery in the BRICS countries’.
The theme, according to the department, is informed by two of the five Cabinet-approved priorities.
These include transforming education and skills development for the future, strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery, and the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.
“This theme also resonates with priority four of the Sendai Framework (SDF) for Disaster Risk Reduction which advocates for enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to ‘build back better’ in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction,” the department explained.
The bloc of emerging economies BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa) recently agreed to add new member states.
Meanwhile, the CoGTA said the meeting of BRICS Ministers responsible for disaster management in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has great significance.
“The metro has seen a number of disasters which led to the destruction of properties and infrastructure owing to climate change. This makes eThekwini a good case study in the quest to ensure disaster risk reduction through building back better using risk-informed and climate resilient innovations.”
In addition, the department also noted COVID-19, which contributed to devastation in the metro, compounded by climate-related disaster phenomena.
“It befittingly gives the participants in these crucial BRICS meetings a practical appreciation of the devastation as well as the rehabilitation and recovery interventions to prevent or mitigate the impact of future risks.”
The department said “building back better” in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic would take centre stage.
“Furthermore, the deliberations will delve into socio-economic dynamics impacting member countries and how to cooperate and synergise efforts to revive the economies and resume plans and activities for the attainment of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development.”
BRICS countries will also present respective positions with respect to strengthening post-pandemic socio-economic recovery against the main aim of the SDF.
The purpose of the SDF is to achieve a substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health.
It also involves other aspects such as the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of people, businesses, communities and countries between 2015 and 2030.
“This is an important platform to reflect on lessons learnt from the coordination of the national state of disasters and the impact-based early warning to improve early action and safeguard community lives and livelihoods.
“Critical also is the funding mechanisms for recovery and rehabilitation towards building back better through integrating climate change adaptability, eco-based disaster risk reduction and community-based planning in disaster management.”
The meetings will culminate in proposals for a Joint Action Plan and Roadmap for implementation (2023 to 2024) and a revised eThekwini Declaration to be signed by the Ministers.
Participants will also include government administrative leadership, heads of national, provincial, and local Disaster Management Centres as well as well as civil society organisations, academia, private sector and research institutions. – SAnews.gov.za
