(Reopens) KUWAIT -- Chairperson of Kuwait Environment Protection Society and Chair of the Event Dr Wejdan Al-Oqab said Monday's celebration is of paramount significance since it comes when climate change-bearing disasters are on the rise.
She cited relevant UN surveys as showing that the number of disasters related to climate change had edged up by 83 percent between 2000 and 2019, compared with the period between 1980 and 1999, underlining the pressing need to carry on preventive efforts.
She added that marking the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, titled "Financing Resilience, Not Disasters" this year reflects the necessity of changing local and global trends of post-disaster response into prior investment in prevention, building capabilities and forming community immunity.
For her part, UN Secretary-General's Representative and Resident Coordinator in Kuwait Dr. Ghada Al-Taher said the UN was so pleased to have attended this Kuwait-hosted event, which reflects the obvious UN message of prior investment in prevention and response.
She added that this UN message comes in the context of reducing disasters, promoting governance of risks and multi-hazard early warning and merging reduction of risks in developmental and strategic planning. (end) ahk.mt