Minister of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Belarus Mr. Uladzimir Vashchanka participated in the sixth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva
17.05.2019Belarus delegation led by Minister of Emergency Situations Mr. Uladzimir Vashchanka on May 14-17, 2019, took part in the sixth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which was held in Geneva.
Representatives of states, universal and regional international organizations, academia and civil society attended the session.
Participants discussed the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
This international mechanism is designed to prevent the emergence of new and reduce the risk of known disaster risks through the implementation of comprehensive and inclusive economic, structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational, environmental, technological, political and institutional measures. The enhancement of the implementation capacity and capability of developing countries as well as middle income countries, as well as the mobilization of support through international cooperation for the provision of means of implementation in accordance with their national priorities, are among tools of the Sendai Framework.
In the course of the general debate, as well as at the Ministerial Round Table “Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change and SDGs” the Belarusian delegation reported on the work being done to protect the population and territories from natural disasters. The experience of Belarus was highly evaluated by representatives of international organizations and experts.
Mr. Uladzimir Vashchanka held meetings with the Director of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Ms. Kirsi Madi, the Assistant Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) Dr. Jaouad Mahjour, the Secretary-General of the International Civil Defense Organization (ICDO) Belkacem El-Ketroussi, the Deputy Director of the Disaster and Crisis Department of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Mr. Nelson Castano. Bilateral meetings with heads of emergency services of foreign countries were held as well.
The arrangements reached will further enhance our country's capacity to prevent emergencies, strengthen disaster risk management mechanisms and improve the protection of vulnerable citizens. The results of the meetings will create favorable conditions for the implementation of a number of projects to disseminate the unique experience of Belarus in preventing and eliminating natural and man-made disasters, training foreign specialists on the basis of educational institutions of the Belarus Ministry of Emergency, maintain environmental safety, improve the national system of psychological assistance in crisis situations, reduce child and adult injuries.
