Hon. Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia,
Dr. Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the UNDRR,
Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is an honor and privilege to be here today, representing the Republic of South Sudan at this critical gathering, the Eighth High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction 2024. I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Hon. Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, for her kind invitation and leadership in making this event possible. This platform brings us together as a global family to address the growing and ever-pressing challenges of disaster risk reduction, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this dialogue under the theme: "ACT NOW FOR THE RESILIENT AFRICA WE WANT".
As we gather here today, we must acknowledge the increasing intensity and frequency of climate shocks, not only in South Sudan and across Africa but around the world. The escalating impact of extreme weather events, driven by climate change, poses a significant threat to the resilience of nations, particularly those already grappling with socio-political challenges. Floods, droughts, and inter-communal conflicts fueled by resource scarcity are becoming more frequent, and these crises demand immediate and coordinated action.
This year 2024, South Sudan faces severe impact of flooding. More than one million people have been affected across the country. The flood has destroyed crops, homes, roads, hospitals, schools and affected the livestock and livelihood. It is a national disaster that has been confirmed by the National Council Ministers and is soon going to be declare by H.E. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, the President of the Republic of South Sudan. This is in addition to the conflict in Sudan since 15th April, 2023, which forced, up to now, closer to 900,000 people to flee to South Sudan worsening the vulnerability situation and adding another burden to the already exhausted economy of my country.
Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,
Despite these challenges, I am proud to report on the strides South Sudan has made in advancing disaster risk reduction (DRR). Our efforts have been focused on laying the groundwork for sustainable disaster management.
We have made substantial progress in developing a Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Policy, a national DRR strategy, and a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Bill (draft). These documents, which are now at the final stages of review, will provide a robust legal and policy framework once approved, to enhance our national preparedness and resilience.
In the other hand, DRM policy is being rolled out at both the national and local levels, ensuring that communities across South Sudan are better equipped to manage disaster risks and reduce vulnerabilities.
Additionally, we have established a National DRR Platform, which have become a key forum for coordinating and integrating DRR activities into both national and local development planning. The platform allows for meaningful participation of various stakeholders, ensuring that DRR is mainstreamed in all sectors.
Also, at the national level, we have formed National technical working groups, and at the local level, we have established Disaster Risk Management Committees. These institutions play a crucial role in facilitating DRR coordination and implementation.
Moreover, South Sudan has a National Early Warning Technical Working Group where Early Warning technical information and advisories for multi-hazards are shared and packaged for dissemination to those communities at risk. This technical group supports in gathering multi-hazard data, analyze it, then packaged and published as the National Multi-hazard Early Warning Bulletin.
The Government of South Sudan has launched the Early Warnings for ALL Initiative in Nov.2023, now proceeding with a roadmap for implementation in areas of risk informed knowledge, forecast-detection and monitoring, and dissemination of Early Warning information to at risk communities.
This year in June, the development of the South Sudan Flood Preparedness and Response plan 2024 by the government DRM sectors and The UN agencies witnessed a positive strength in disaster preparedness. This multi-sectoral approach and engagement of stakeholders has enhanced coordination at all structures of government.
To address the impact of climate displacement situations or settings in long-term solution, the Government has developed and endorsed the South Sudan Durable Solutions Strategy and Plan of Action for Refugees, Returnees, IDPs and Host Communities that was launched recently on 10th Oct.2024.
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,
However, our path to disaster resilience has not been without significant obstacles.
The previous internal conflict in South Sudan, and the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, have hampered real-time investment and focus on DRR.
The limited capacity and lack of understanding of DRR principles within institutions at all levels continue to be a barrier to comprehensive DRR implementation.
Also, one of the major hurdles we face is the insufficient allocation of funds for DRR activities and planning. Without adequate financial resources, it is difficult to implement the necessary interventions and build resilient communities.
Another challenge is the lack of capacity to adequately monitor and report progress in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
This impedes our ability to measure and communicate our progress on a global stage.
Opportunities
Nevertheless, we remain hopeful and committed to overcoming these challenges. In the face of adversity, opportunities present themselves:
The gradual improvement of peace and stability in South Sudan as a result of the implementation of Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan 2018 (R-ARCSS) offers a tremendous opportunity to advance DRR efforts. A peaceful environment allows us to focus more on disaster preparedness and long-term resilience.
With increased advocacy and cooperation, there is potential to secure more funding for DRR activities from both national budget and international partners. We encourage private sector engagement and investment in DRR planning and operations, as this will contribute significantly to our national resilience.
Strengthening the capacity of DRR institutions remains a top priority. With the right skills and knowledge, these institutions can better design, implement, and sustain DRR initiatives across all levels of society.
We recognize the invaluable role of indigenous knowledge in DRR. By blending traditional practices with modern technologies, particularly at the local level, we can develop contextually relevant strategies that enhance disaster preparedness and response.
Finally on opportunities, international collaboration is indispensable. Through dialogue and the exchange of experiences, we can continue to learn from one another and apply the best practices that have been proven to work in other parts of the world.
Excellencies and Distinguished Delegates,
Allow me also to highlight Some few current opportunities to accelerate DRR Agenda in South Sudan:
1. The country has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Africa Risk Capacity (AU) in December 2023 to operationalize its commitment in enhancing the resilience and response to climate shocks.
2. The World Bank funded project "Enhancing Community Resilience and Local Governance Project" is an opportunity to empower communities at risk in understanding disaster risk in managing risk and response to disasters when strike and building their resilience.
3. The Water At Heart of Climate Action project, funded by the Netherlands through the technical support of UNDRR, WMO, IFRC provides another opportunity to South Sudan in addressing disaster risk, early warning, disaster preparedness and response capability
South Sudan remains committed and is at the forefront to accelerate DRR agenda by strengthening risk governance at all levels through institutional capacity enhancement, formation of DRM Structures and DRM Committees at state and county levels.
Therefore, I thank all those who have contributed to support DRR Programs in South Sudan and I encourage the continuity of collaboration and partnership.
Excellencies, Distinguished Participants,
In conclusion, I want to emphasize the importance of our collective responsibility in reducing disaster risks. Working together as a global DRR family, we can overcome the challenges before us and create a safer, more resilient world for future generations.
I call upon all governments and stakeholders to prioritize financing DRR activities within national budgets, encourage private sector participation, and strengthen the capacities of DRR institutions to ensure the successful implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies. Let us continue to foster international cooperation, leveraging both indigenous knowledge and modern technology to build the resilience of our most vulnerable communities.
Together, we can make a difference. Let us Act Now for our Resilient Continent We Want by 20263.
Thank you.
Hon. Albino Akol Atak Mayom Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Republic of South Sudan/Juba