Harare, (New Ziana) –Zimbabwe participated at the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GDRRF) held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 2 to 6 June this year, where it reaffirmed its commitment to building resilience and safeguarding communities against calamities and climate-related risks.
Led by the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, the Zimbabwean delegation joined more than 3 000 participants from 164 countries in a robust exchange of knowledge, progress tracking, and sharing of best practices under the theme “Every Day Counts, Act for Resilience Today.”
An additional 600 participants followed proceedings online, underlining the global urgency of disaster preparedness and risk reduction.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing, the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, said Zimbabwe’s participation at the high-level event demonstrated the dedication of the Second Republic to inclusive, proactive, and sustainable risk management.
“Cabinet received and noted the report on the 8th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. Minister Garwe represented Zimbabwe with distinction, contributing to key Ministerial roundtables that addressed issues central to our national and regional context,” he said.
Garwe took part in three High-Level Roundtable discussions focusing on rebuilding resilient communities, housing reconstruction and infrastructure readiness, the progress of the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group under the presidency of South Africa, and the global Safe Schools initiative.
In his interventions, Garwe highlighted Zimbabwe’s National Human Settlements Policy, which promotes the use of affordable and climate-resilient building technologies tailored to the specific needs of various communities.
He also emphasized the importance of regional integration in addressing trans-boundary hazards such as floods, droughts, and pandemics, issues that affect multiple countries simultaneously.
“Minister Garwe articulated Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive safety, especially in the education sector, by sharing the country’s 10-point plan for disaster risk reduction in learning institutions. He underscored that every child has a right to grow up in a safe and inclusive learning environment,” said Dr Muswere.
The participation of Zimbabwe at the Geneva platform aligns with its broader development agenda, which prioritises preparedness, adaptation, and institutional resilience in the face of increasing climate variability and natural disasters.
Through such engagements, the country continues to solidify its role in global and regional discussions on sustainable development and disaster risk governance.
New Ziana
