Dushanbe – September 17, 2024
The 9th ECO Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction convened in Dushanbe, hosted by the Committee of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense of Tajikistan. The Ministers and Heads of Delegation from Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Türkiye and Turkmenistan, alongside regional and international organizations, gathered to discuss and review the ECO Regional Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (ECORFDRR) and its implementation roadmap established for 2021-2025 as well as to adopt Dushanbe Declaration on DRR. The meeting also considered to establish a regional technical expert group dedicated to updating the framework for 2025-2030, emphasizing a commitment to enhancing disaster resilience across the region.
Based on global priorities, including the Sendai Framework, the Ministers underscored the necessity of capacity building, research, and international collaboration to foster a multi-hazard approach to disaster risk management. They discussed innovative solutions such as early warning systems and data analytics, recognizing the critical role of leveraging technology to mitigate risks and highlighted achievements and identified areas for further attention, reinforcing the importance of coordinated efforts among ECO Member States.
During the meeting, UNICEF emphasized the imperative of child protection within disaster risk reduction strategies, advocating for enhanced cooperation and coordination among ECO Member States. The organization stressed that prioritizing children’s safety and well-being is essential in disaster preparedness and response efforts and highlighted that this collaborative approach adopted during the meeting marks a significant step toward ensuring that vulnerable populations, especially children, are safeguarded against the impacts of disasters, thereby fostering a resilient future for the entire region.
Highlighting the recommendations and decisions made in Dushanbe Declaration, the meeting reaffirmed commitments to fostering regional cooperation and enhancing the capacity to mitigate disaster risks.
