Joint Stakeholder Position Statement

This joint position statement emerges from the deliberations of 79 representatives of nine stakeholder groups present at the Pre-Conference Stakeholder Consultations held in Windhoek, Namibia on 21 October 2024. The statement outlines key actions for policymakers and disaster risk reduction (DRR) stakeholders to consider for strengthening effective, inclusive, and resilient DRR policies across all levels and sectors ahead of The Ninth Session of the Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) and Eighth High-Level Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction. 

Recognizing the unique perspectives of diverse stakeholders across Africa, the position paper emphasizes the need to further improve the intersectional, multi-stakeholder, and multi-hazard approach to resilience building, in alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, and the Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa (2017). 

Challenges 

Having met and deliberated on non-state stakeholders' current and future roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the Sendai Framework and other related development agenda of this continent, including challenges and solutions for future activities, representatives hereby agreed that a number of pressing challenges hinder effective DRR implementation in Africa, including: 

1. Limited resources and capacity are significant constraints, impacting research, knowledge generation, and the implementation of DRR programs. 

2. Weak coordination and collaboration among stakeholders often hinders the development and implementation of coherent DRR strategies. 

3. Data gaps and limitations hinder evidence-based decision-making and effective risk assessment. 

4. The exclusion of marginalized groups, particularly persons with disabilities, in DRR planning and implementation is another major challenge. 

5. Lack of awareness, understanding, and capacity of DRR concepts and practices among communities and decision-makers is a persistent issue. This includes limited technical expertise, insufficient human resources, and inadequate financial resources. 

Call to action: 

Taking the above into account, it was agreed that more must be done to enhance the role of non-state actors in translating DRR policies into action, as it is crucial to foster inclusive and collaborative partnerships between government, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other non-state stakeholders for the accelerated implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 - 2030 and the Programme of Action for the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in Africa. The key recommendations and actions for policy makers and decision makers in Africa include: 

1. It is imperative for governments, NGOs, and CSOs to empower communities to take ownership and leadership of DRR initiatives by investing in community based DRR and promoting the active participation of women, men, youth, and marginalized groups in DRR decision-making, so their needs are met. By leveraging their skills and knowledge, and building their capacity, communities should play a vital role in planning, implementing, and monitoring DRR actions that meet their needs. 

2. Noting the fundamental role of NGOs, OPDs, women's and youth networks, and other civil society organizations in translating policy into action and advocating for the integration of diverse perspectives into national, sub-national, and local level policy; it is necessary for governments to increasingly engage and include these groups in the development and implementation of DRR strategies, policies, budgets, and programs, to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered, the needs of marginalized communities are addressed, and so policy can be translated into local action. 

3. To effectively implement DRR strategies, it is crucial to increase investments in DRR. Governments and partners should explore innovative financing mechanisms to ensure equitable distribution of resources among communities and reach the last mile, leaving no one behind, regardless of sex, age, or ability. 

4. It is crucial for RECs, the African Union, and international organizations to develop platforms for South-South, North-South, and triangular cooperation that enable intergovernmental organizations, civil society, private sector, academia, and member states to share experiences, mobilize resources, and adapt global best practices and lessons learned to the African context for accelerated implementation of the Sendai Framework. 

5. It is crucial for member states and local authorities to create more inclusive platforms for non-state stakeholders such as academia, private sector, and civil society to engage and inform the design, implementation, and monitoring of DRR strategies and plans, and allow for more comprehensive exchanges of knowledge, experiences, and best practices from the national to the community level. 

6. Enhance decision-making and improve DRR outcomes by integrating data into all aspects of DRR planning, implementation, and monitoring. This involves investing in tools, methodologies, and technology that improve the collection, analysis, and dissemination of disaggregated data (by sex, age, income, disability, etc.). By ensuring data quality and accessibility, and facilitating data sharing among stakeholders, we can make more informed decisions that address the specific needs and perspectives of women, children, people with disabilities, and communities. 

7. Leverage, invest in, and partner with youth, the academia, the private sector, and research centres to ignite innovative tools and technologies for new and effective DRR solutions. 

8. Prioritize investments in the development, capacity building, and use of research and technology systems and infrastructure to strengthen evidence-based decision-making. 

9. Invest in scaling up multi-hazard and impact-based early warning systems (EWS) and disaster preparedness. Governments must leverage new technologies, invest in EWS infrastructure, streamline communication channels, improve data collection and analysis, and integrate vulnerability data and indigenous knowledge into new and existing systems to ensure that early warnings are timely, accurate, and accessible to all. 

10. Document, preserve, and integrate cultural, local, and indigenous practices and knowledge with DRR planning, research, strategies, and implementation, including early warning systems to enhance disaster resilience in Africa. By leveraging the wisdom and experiences of local communities, we can develop more effective, equitable, and sustainable solutions. 

11. Invest in resilient infrastructure to safeguard communities from the impacts of disasters. Governments and stakeholders must prioritize climate-resilient building standards and retrofitting existing infrastructure to withstand natural hazards, especially in vulnerable areas. All infrastructure, including evacuation routes and centres, should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.