Kuwait City, Kuwait, 12 February 2025 The Sixth Arab Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction concluded today in Kuwait City, marking a pivotal step forward in the region’s efforts to enhance resilience and mitigate disaster risks. Hosted by the Government of Kuwait in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the League of Arab States, the platform brought together over 600 participants from governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, and international organizations. Convened under the theme, “Building Resilient Arab Communities: From Understanding to Action,” the platform offered an inclusive space to discuss solutions to the complex risk landscape facing the Arab region.
The highlight of the event was the adoption of the Kuwait Declaration for Disaster Risk Reduction, which reaffirms the urgent need to strengthen resilience across the Arab region in the face of increasing disaster risks. The declaration underscores the importance of accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework, enhancing governance for risk reduction, increasing investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure, and leveraging science, technology, artificial intelligence, and early warning systems. It also emphasizes the need to develop and update comprehensive disaster loss databases and risk assessments to support evidence-based policymaking. Additionally, the declaration calls for greater regional cooperation, particularly in supporting countries affected by crises, and highlights the need for inclusive and sustainable approaches that engage governments, civil society, and the private sector in reducing disaster risks and protecting communities.
The platform saw the adoption of the voluntary action statements of stakeholder groups engaged in DRR. Alongside the Kuwait Declaration, these commitments align with the Prioritized Action Plan for DRR (2025-2027) in the Arab region, which outlines concrete priorities and strategies to strengthen disaster risk management at both regional and national levels.
Key highlights
Over four days, the platform featured 2 side conferences, 3 plenary sessions, 4 thematic sessions, and 6 special sessions, providing a space for high-level dialogue on strengthening disaster resilience in the Arab region. With 18 side events, a press conference, and a dedicated marketplace, participants explored innovative solutions, shared best practices, and reinforced commitments to advancing disaster risk reduction efforts.
Two critical pre-conference events took place ahead of the official launch of the platform. The Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Risk Reduction Financing conference addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing the Arab region, which is mobilizing sufficient financial resources for disaster resilience. While the Early Warnings for All Multistakeholder Forum for the Arab States underscored the importance of inclusive, people-centered early warning systems across the region. In a world where climate-related disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity, effective early warning systems can mean the difference between life and death.
Throughout the four days of the platform, participants engaged in dynamic discussions during plenary, thematic, special sessions, and side events. These sessions addressed critical issues such as urban resilience, risk-informed financing, disaster preparedness, and strengthening governance to achieve sustainable development.
The platform marked the introduction of the Santiago Network in the Arab region through a dedicated session focused on enhancing efforts to avert, minimize, and address loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. Bringing together high-level stakeholders and experts from the Arab region and beyond, this session provided a platform to discuss the operationalization of the Santiago Network and its role in delivering technical assistance to countries facing climate-induced challenges, insights on capacity gaps, opportunities for regional collaboration, and ways to strengthen the synergy between disaster risk reduction and climate action.
A special high-level session for mayors highlighted innovative approaches to urban resilience, drawing on best practices and lessons learned across the Arab region. In the Arab Leaders Dialogue for DRR session, which brought together donors, governments, the private sector, and humanitarian organizations to address funding gaps and advance sustainable financing for disaster risk reduction in the Arab region, participants explored innovative financing models, key funding challenges, and solutions, particularly for conflict-affected and fragile states.
Another key moment of the platform was the launch of the key findings of the Regional Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction in the Arab States, which presents a comprehensive analysis of disaster risk in the Arab region and actionable recommendations to policymakers, highlighting systemic risks driven by climate change, urbanization, water scarcity, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. It underscores the interconnected nature of these risks and calls for urgent action to strengthen governance, enhance early warning systems, and invest in resilience-building measures.
The platform underscored the integration of disaster risk reduction with broader development frameworks, including climate change adaptation and the Sustainable Development Goals. Discussions reflected on the progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework while also addressing persistent challenges such as urbanization, socio-economic disparities, and the effects of climate change.
Closing session
The platform closed with a high-level session featuring Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Kuwait; Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction; Ambassador Khalil Ebrahim Al-Thawadi, League of Arab States Assistant Secretary-General for Arab Affairs and National Security; and Major General Talal Mohammed Al-Roumi, Chief of the General Fire Force, Kuwait.
Reflecting on the Arab region’s progress and its role in advancing global disaster risk reduction efforts, Kamal Kishore emphasized the importance of sharing lessons learned and scaling up action. “Take the good practices from this region and share them with the world. With just five years left to achieve the goals of the Sendai Framework, if this region can make it happen, then the world can make it happen,” he said in his closing remarks.
The outcomes of the sixth Arab regional platform, including the Kuwait Declaration and the Arab Action Plan, will inform discussions at the eighth global platform for disaster risk reduction, scheduled to take place in Geneva in June 2025. These achievements serve as a foundation for the region’s ongoing efforts to reduce risks, protect lives, and foster sustainable development.
