Statement by H.E. Ummy Hamis Nderiananga, Deputy Minister, Office of the Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania

Chairperson, 

Honorable Ministers; 

Heads of Delegations, 

Distinguished Guests and Participants; 

Ladies and gentlemen; 

Chairperson, 

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

I also bring greetings from Honourable William Lukuvi, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office. Due to pressing commitments, he is unable to attend this important meeting. The Honourable Minister appreciates the efforts of the African Union Commission, the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Government of Namibia, and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in organizing this gathering. He wishes you successful deliberations for the Nineth Africa Regional Platform and Eighth High-Level Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in 2024. 

On behalf of the Tanzania delegation, I would like to express our sincere gratitude for the excellent facilities and warm hospitality we have received since arrived in beautiful City - Windhoek, Namibia. 

Chairperson, 

It is evident that Africa, including the United Republic of Tanzania, has experienced an increasing frequency and intensity of climate and weather-related hazards, also as highlighted in various scientific reports. These challenges exacerbate disaster risks and hinder our progress toward sustainable development. This underscores the need to invest more in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, integrating these issues into development programs. We must also enhance early warning systems and natural resource management to foster sustainable and resilient communities across Africa. 

Chairperson, 

Significant progress has been made in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Programme of Action for 2015-2030 in Africa and the SADC region measures. The Government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has developed a Disaster Risk Profile that offers a comprehensive view of risks and uncertainties related to floods and droughts. A thorough qualitative risk assessment has been conducted in several districts, and there has been substantial improvement in loss data management for various purposes. These initiatives aim to enhance understanding of disaster risk and guide sectors and stakeholders in their disaster management efforts. 

Chairperson, 

The Government has taken significant steps to enhance disaster risk governance by strengthening the regulatory and operational framework for disaster management. We introduced the new Disaster Management Act of 2022 and developed the National Disaster Management Strategy for 2022-2027. This was complemented by the review of three previous documents, leading to the creation of the National Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan 2022, the National Disaster Communication Strategy 2022, and the National One Health Strategic Plan for 2022-2027. Additionally, District Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies have been developed in several districts. These efforts demonstrate the Government's commitment and provide comprehensive guidance for priority areas for stakeholders involved in disaster risk reduction and humanitarian services in the country. 

Chairperson, 

Investing in disaster risk reduction is a government priority, supported by strategic guidance from the National Five-Year Development Plan (2021/22-2025/26) and the Guidelines for Planning and Budgeting across all sectors to ensure that disaster risk is mainstreamed in the planning process. The government is also working on establishing a national disaster risk reduction financing framework to enhance national measures and leverage regional and international DRR funding opportunities. Disaster risk mainstreaming has been integrated into development plans and budgets in key sectors, including health, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and natural resources. 

Additionally, Tanzania has explored the benefits of post-disaster investments to address the systemic nature of risk. This is evident in the implementation of the Tanzania COVID-19 Socioeconomic Response and Recovery Plan, which has improved coordination through a One Health approach and facilitated critical investments in health, education, water, and tourism infrastructure. 

Chairperson, 

Measures to enhance preparedness for response and build back better through early warning systems for various hazards have been taken. Tanzania has established Emergency Operation and Communication Center Situation Room, which is also the first national situation room under the African Union's Africa Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Early Action System (AMHEWAS) Programme. Also, disaster risk management in health systems have been strengthened through the establishment of the Public Health Emergency Operations Center at national and some regions. Same effort has been made in sectors including transport, agriculture, water, education for community resilience. Chairperson, As my delegation applaud progress made, we encourage more efforts to accelerate implementation of the Sendai Framework and the Programme of Action for its implementation in Africa. Regional bodies need to strengthen mechanism for generation of risk information due to the transboundary nature of disaster and climate risk. Investment is required to improve regional and international cooperation through technical and financial support on disaster risk reduction in areas of research and planning, technology and equipment for weather and seismic early warning and emergency operation communication for early action ans critical infrastructure resilience Chairperson, Furthermore, we must prioritize critical infrastructure resilience and clean energy initiatives. For instance, the United Republic of Tanzania has set an ambitious target to ensure that 80 percent of its population utilizes clean cooking solutions by 2034. These initiatives should emphasize the importance of rethinking systemic disaster risk by strengthening local capacities while fostering cross-border, regional, and global collaboration and cooperation. Chairperson, In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment at this meeting, under the leadership of H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. We are dedicated to building a disaster-resilient nation while actively contributing to regional and global initiatives on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION. 

ASANTE SANA.