The African Union Commission (AUC) convened a high-level Regional Consultation on Africa’s Common Position for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) on June 2, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. Held on the sidelines of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GP2025), the meeting brought together senior delegates from AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and international development partners to solidify a unified African approach ahead of the GP2025 high-level segment.
The draft African Common Position outlines strategic priorities and commitments by Member States to reduce disaster-related losses and promote risk-informed development. Grounded in Africa’s unique context, the document builds on the Windhoek Declaration, the Programme of Action, and other key AU decisions.
The session was chaired by Hon. Natangwe Paulus Ithete, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industrialisation, Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia. In his opening remarks, Hon. Ithete welcomed delegates, reaffirming Namibia’s leadership as Chair of the Africa Regional Platform Bureau for DRR.
“It is my honour to welcome you to this critical meeting,” he stated. “This gathering represents our collective commitment to shaping a resilient future for Africa.”
Hon. Ithete commended the African Union Commission and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) for facilitating an inclusive, member-led consultation process. He emphasized that the resulting draft Common Position echoes the shared vision of African nations and is fully aligned with the Windhoek Declaration.
“With this draft, African delegates will speak with one voice at GP2025,” he said. “This unity strengthens our position on the global stage, highlighting our priorities and ambitions.”
He also called on Member States to mobilize domestic resources to support DRR programmes, especially as the continent continues to grapple with increasing disaster frequency and intensity.
Dr. Jihane El Gaouzi, Head of the Sustainable Environment Division at AUC, praised the active participation of stakeholders, describing the consultation as a turning point in Africa’s disaster resilience efforts.
“Our united front demonstrates a deep resolve to protect our communities and economies from disaster risks,” she said. “The strong engagement of Member States and RECs reflects our commitment to building a safer and more resilient continent.”
Despite progress, Africa remains disproportionately vulnerable to disasters—over 90% of which are droughts and floods. Dr. El Gaouzi stressed the importance of the Sendai Framework and its implementation through the Programme of Action, both of which continue to guide Africa’s DRR agenda.
The consultation also served as a platform to review the draft Africa Common Position, which integrates feedback from a recent continent-wide survey. It reflects Africa’s collective experiences and aspirations and is anchored in the outcomes of the 9th Africa Regional Platform and the 8th High-Level Meeting on DRR held in October 2024.
Amjad Abbashar, Chief of the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa, welcomed the draft’s progress but warned of persistent gaps.
“While the draft highlights key achievements, we must confront the realities—Africa remains highly vulnerable to natural hazards,” he noted. “Droughts and floods dominate, and limited investment in DRR from both public and private sectors remains a challenge.”
He also pointed to the critical need for improved risk data and knowledge sharing to support informed development and investment decisions.
“With just five years left until the end of the Sendai Framework, we must act with urgency,” Abbashar urged. “Implementing the priorities of the Africa Common Position and the Windhoek Declaration is essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.”
The consultation aimed to ensure African representatives are well-prepared to engage with the findings of the Global Assessment Report 2025 and to present a cohesive continental voice at the upcoming GP2025.
