The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is taking part in the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025), being held from 2–6 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. This international event brings together leaders from across the world to discuss how to reduce the impact of disasters, especially as extreme weather events grow more frequent and dangerous.

SADC, through its Secretariat, is using the platform to share its experiences, learn from others, and strengthen its commitment to building resilience in the region.

In a media statement, SADC highlighted the urgency of the issue:

“The Southern African region remains highly vulnerable to a range of natural and human-induced disasters,” the statement said.

“The increasing impacts of climate change and variability have intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including floods, droughts, and storms, posing significant threats to lives, livelihoods, ecosystems, and infrastructure.”

The Global Platform, hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), is a key event for reviewing progress on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. It brings together governments, NGOs, the private sector, and civil society to share strategies, challenges, and innovations in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

SADC says its participation is part of a broader effort to “review progress, share knowledge, and engage with the latest trends and strategies” in DRR.

“The forum offers a vital opportunity for the region to engage with global best practices and contribute to building a safer, more sustainable, and disaster-resilient future,” the media statement read.

Key topics at GP2025 include:

• Strengthening early warning systems;
• Investing in disaster risk planning;
• Empowering local communities to handle disasters;
• Promoting inclusive, science-based solutions.

SADC is also part of a united African front at the event, helping to present the Draft Africa Common Position on Disaster Risk Reduction. Backed by the African Union, the common position aims to represent Africa’s shared priorities and strategies on managing disaster risks.

According to the media statement:

“The Africa Common Position is grounded in the Africa Programme of Action and aligned with the Sendai Framework, providing a strategic framework for coordinated DRR efforts across the continent.”

The statement also emphasised the importance of international cooperation and the need for more investment in early warning systems, climate adaptation, and community-led solutions.

SADC’s involvement in the forum underscores its commitment to:

• Building resilient communities;
• Promoting risk-informed development;
• Strengthening partnerships across sectors and countries.