The United Republic of Tanzania Statement at the Seventh Global Platform For Disaster Risk Reduction

Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government;
Co-Chairs;
Honourable Ministers;
Distinguished Delegates;
Ladies and Gentlemen;

First and foremost, allow me to convey to you warm and friendly greetings from H. E. Samia Suluhu Hassan President of the United Republic of Tanzania and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Secondly, on behalf of my delegation I express sincere gratitude for excellent organization of this conference, warm welcome and hospitality.

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania commends the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Government of Indonesia for organizing and hosting this important event. We wish to re-affirm our commitment on the implementation of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and regional frameworks on disaster risk reduction. We further assure to support and implement deliberations of this Global Platform which are within our country interest and its people.

Chairperson,

This Seventh Global Disaster Risk Reduction has special feature as the first global level gathering on disaster issues taking place at a critical time just over two years since the world experienced the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak has demonstrated that no country is immune from disasters due to its rapid and spill over with multi-sectoral social economic impact and trans-boundary nature. This call for our countries to re-think of better ways to address systemic disaster risk through strengthen local, cross border, regional and global collaboration and cooperation.

Our Government is continuing to take strong action to address the challenges posed by the pandemic towards building a resilient Tanzania to withstand social economic uncertainties of COVID –19 and other trans-boundary risks. This is implemented through revitalizing key economic and social services including health, education, tourism, water, agriculture and social protection considering the needs of children, women, youth, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Chairperson,

The United Republic of Tanzania over the past two years, has made progress in the implementation of theSendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 –2030in various aspects including finalizing the development of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategy and various sectoral plans and strategies.

In the continued efforts to strengthen coordination mechanism for disaster risk management in the country there are ongoing initiatives through the development of new Disaster Management Act and construction and equipping the National Disaster RiskManagement Centre in Dodoma. Also, the review of other instruments used in disaster management including theNational Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and Tanzania Disaster Communication Strategy for Tanzania Mainland and Tanzania Zanzibar.

Chairperson,

The Government in collaboration with various stakeholders has developed the Disaster Risk Profile for Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar which provides a comprehensive view of hazards, risk and related uncertainties for floods and droughts; considering possible changes in climate and socio-economic situation, projected over the next 50 years.

Also, there has been substantial improvement in loss data management for effective collection and analysis of disaster data for various purposes.In need, Tanzania Mainland and Tanzania Zanzibar have conducted risk-sensitive budget review and analysis of multiple benefits of disaster risk reduction investments. These initiatives are aimed to guide sectors and different stakeholders to pursue disaster risk investments for social economic resilience.

Chairperson,

As we have experienced and informed through various scientific reports, climate and weather-related hazards are increasing in frequency and intensity, exacerbating disasters risk and impeding progress towards sustainable development in our countries. This reminds us the importance of increasing investment and mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation issues in development programs and improvement on natural resource management for sustainable and resilient communitiesThe Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through the National Five Year Development Plan 2021/22 –2025/26has put emphasis on strengthening institutional framework, identifying and mitigating the potential risk emanating from natural calamities and outbreaks of pandemic which may lead to re-allocating the resources to areas affected instead of being used in economic development.

Chairperson,

Trans-boundary risk reduction has been a priority as theRegional Specialized Meteorological Centre through the Tanzania Meteorological Authority has made available the guidance products on severe weather warnings for five neighboring countries surrounding the Lake Victoria Basin for development of warning information for their own countries. We will continue to collaborate and cooperate with stakeholders to improve early warning through investment in modern equipment and analysis models to ensure community resilience.

Chairperson,

To this end, let me use this opportunity again to assure this meeting that under the able leadership of H.E Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania will continue to work in collaboration with InternationalCommunities and support investments on disaster risk reduction, multi-hazard early warning system and trans-boundary risks management which are in line with our country’s interests in the regional and global context.

THANK YOUFOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION.