Saint Kitts and Nevis Delegates Attend Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Geneva

Saint Kitts and Nevis actively participated in the Seventh Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2022), held in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 23rd to 28th, 2022. The delegation, led by the Honourable Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Disaster Management, engaged in critical discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions focusing on strengthening global disaster resilience. The GP2022 served as a crucial forum for reviewing progress on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, a globally adopted agreement aimed at substantially reducing disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, and health. Saint Kitts and Nevis’s presence underscored the nation’s commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction strategies and international collaboration.

The Sendai Framework emphasizes a proactive and multi-sectoral approach to disaster risk reduction, moving away from reactive crisis management to integrated and preventative measures. It prioritizes understanding disaster risk, strengthening disaster risk governance, investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience, and enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and “build back better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. The framework acknowledges that disaster risk is increasingly systemic and complex, requiring collaborative efforts across governments, organizations, and communities. Saint Kitts and Nevis’s engagement at GP2022 demonstrated its alignment with these principles and its commitment to building national resilience.

At GP2022, Saint Kitts and Nevis joined other nations and stakeholders in assessing progress towards the Sendai Framework targets. Discussions centered on the need for increased investment in disaster risk reduction, improved early warning systems, strengthened infrastructure, and community-based disaster preparedness programs. The importance of integrating disaster risk considerations into development planning and policy-making was also emphasized. Saint Kitts and Nevis’s delegation actively contributed to these discussions, sharing national experiences and best practices in disaster risk management, while also learning from the experiences of other countries and organizations.

The participation of Saint Kitts and Nevis in GP2022 provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the specific challenges and vulnerabilities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the context of disaster risk. SIDS are disproportionately exposed to a range of natural hazards, including hurricanes, floods, droughts, and sea-level rise, compounded by their limited resources and capacities. The forum allowed Saint Kitts and Nevis to advocate for increased support and tailored solutions for SIDS in building resilience and adapting to climate change impacts. The delegation emphasized the need for enhanced access to financing, technology transfer, and capacity building initiatives to address these vulnerabilities.

The outcomes of GP2022 provided valuable insights and direction for Saint Kitts and Nevis in strengthening its national disaster risk reduction efforts. The forum facilitated the exchange of knowledge and best practices, fostering collaboration and partnerships with other countries, international organizations, and stakeholders. This included sharing experiences in implementing early warning systems, developing comprehensive disaster risk management plans, and strengthening building codes and land-use planning to minimize disaster impacts. The delegation returned with a renewed commitment to integrating disaster risk reduction into national development strategies and policies.

Following GP2022, Saint Kitts and Nevis is expected to further integrate the lessons learned and the global best practices shared at the forum into its national disaster risk reduction framework. This will involve strengthening existing disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, enhancing community-based resilience-building initiatives, and advocating for increased investment in disaster risk reduction at all levels. The nation’s commitment to the principles of the Sendai Framework and its active participation in the global discourse on disaster risk reduction will be crucial in building a more resilient and sustainable future for Saint Kitts and Nevis in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. The experience gained at GP2022 will contribute significantly to enhancing the country’s national capacity to effectively address disaster risks and protect its citizens and economy from the adverse impacts of future disasters. The continued focus on disaster risk reduction will be paramount to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for the people of Saint Kitts and Nevis.