Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction
The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) sent a clear message at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction: the time for deeper, faster action on resilience is now. Both institutions reaffirmed their strategic partnership and commitment to joint work with key actors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), a region increasingly exposed to disaster risks.
A highlight was the Second High-Level Latin America and the Caribbean Policy Dialogue, held on the margins of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The Dialogue marked one year since the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Co-signed by the EU, regional organizations, and several LAC countries—with UNDRR and CELAC as official witnesses—the MoU has become a blueprint for targeted, strategic action across three core pillars: response capacity, risk prevention, and knowledge exchange.
“This MoU is more than a document—it’s a commitment to inclusive, results-driven cooperation,” said Kamal Kishore, UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.
“Today’s risks are more complex and unpredictable than ever, and they don’t respect borders. Recent hurricanes, floods, and wildfires on both sides of the Atlantic show why we need stronger coordination between our regions” said EU Commissioner Lahbib.
According to the newly released 2025 Regional Assessment Report by UNDRR, more than 2,350 disaster events have struck the region since 2000, affecting over 320 million people. Despite this, DRR financing remains low, underscoring the critical role of international partnerships.
Commissioner Lahbib also addressed the Ministerial Roundtable on Safe Schools Now at the Global Platform, highlighting new developments, “In the EU, we are reinforcing our disaster preparedness to protect the future of our children. We recently launched our new Preparedness Strategy that puts people at the heart of our preparedness.”
The roundtable galvanized international commitment to safeguarding schools from disaster risks, and called on all countries to endorse the Comprehensive School Safety Framework (CSSF) 2022–2030 by 2025, with full implementation by 2030, and make it a reality with a suite of tangible actions.
The EU Statement, given on behalf of the 27 Member States, emphasised “With just over five years remaining until the Sendai Framework’s 2030 deadline and amidst a challenging political landscape…The European Union remains steadfast in its commitment to support disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts both at home and abroad.”
The EU also highlighted inclusive disaster preparedness as a top priority, focusing on vulnerable populations and ensuring no one is left behind.
UNDRR looks forward to continued collaboration to advance disaster resilience globally, and to turn the Geneva Call to Action into reality.