African Union

Highlights for Thursday, 30 May 2019 Participants immersed in virtual reality technology at the GSW Market Place On Thursday morning, GSW 2019 participants held discussions in a “lab” format to review key lessons and strategies gathered over the previous three days and test them against the realities of day-to-day policy formulation and implementation. On land governance, the discussions focused on innovations at both the legal and institutional level as well as emerging community-based models for safeguarding women’s rights to land. While noting the complexity of natural resource-based conflict, the discussions also touched on entry points for partners to contribute to locally-led dialogue processes, for example to negotiate agreements between farmers, pastoralists and other land users. Discussing lessons from workshops focusing on extension, speakers highlighted the role of new technologies and farmer-to-farmer models in developing advisory services that are more cost-effective and better targeted to specific local contexts. Noting the scale of this challenge in a continent where extension budgets have been falling over time, one speaker stressed that what is needed is nothing less than transforming and modernizing agriculture and associated policies, noting that African farmers account for a significant part of the estimated 1.5 billion smallholder farmers worldwide, “the biggest workforce on our planet.” With regard to local governance and new cooperation models, the Ecosystem Based Adaptation for Food Security Assembly, a pan-African platform that is coordinating and engaging key stakeholders and actors, was highlighted as a good practice in building partnerships to stimulate positive initiatives at the local level. On finance and markets, the Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) Fund, a partnership between the Global Mechanism of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and Mirova, an impact investment firm, was presented as an example of how to catalyze private resources to address land degradation. However, several speakers reiterated caution to safeguard the interests of farmers and pastoralists who may be vulnerable to “land grabbing” as a consequence of large-scale investment models. A final panel discussion in the afternoon drew panelists from UNEP, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the African Land Policy Centre, UNCCD, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Groupe de recherche et d'action sur le foncier (GRAF) and the African Union. The discussions highlighted the importance of building the case that investing in nature-based solutions – such as facilitating access to voluntary carbon markets for farmers - makes sense from an ecososystem, livelihoods and financial perspective. Looking ahead to preparations for the 14th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 14) to the UNCCD, which takes place in India in September 2019, Johns Muleso Kharika, UNCCD Secretariat, stressed that LDN is the “integrator and accelerator of all SDGs.” He provided an overview of substantive issues that will be discussed at COP 14, including: land tenure; land and climate action; youth; gender; and sustainable livelihoods. After thanking all participants and the many partners involved in the preparations for GSW 2019, Muller declared GSW 2019 closed at 4.05 pm. Funding for IISD Reporting Services coverage of GSW 2019 has been provided by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from GSW 2019. In addition, IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report from the meeting, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Francis Dejon For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page View of the GSW Lab session Co-Facilitator Alexander Müller, Managing Director, Töpfer, Müller, Gaßner - Think Tank for Sustainability (TMG Research) Co-Facilitator Alice Kaudia, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Eco-Entrepreneurs Ltd. Anna Kramer, TMG Research Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) L-R: Juliette Biao Koudenoukpo, UNEP; GSW Co-Facilitator Alexander Müller; Rosalie Ouoba, Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa; and Boniface Kiteme, Centre for Training and Integrated Research in ASAL Development (CETRAD) Participants at the GSW Lab session Marai El Fassi, TMG Research Seydou Koudougou, Groupe de recherche et d'action sur le foncier (GRAF) Zwide Jere, Total Land Care, Malawi and GSW Co-Facilitator Alice Kaudia Jes Weigelt, TMG Research Jonathan Davies, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) L-R: Ronald Vargas, Global Soil Partnership, UN Food and Agriculture Organization; Flora Ajwera, GIZ; and Vincent Okoth, Kenya Oliver Ruppel, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa Julien Noël Rakotoarisoa, Madagascar Mohamud Hussein Egeh, African Development Bank Shri M. Soren, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Developmnent Johann Fourgeaud, LDN Fund Onesmus Makhanu, Bungoma County Government, Kenya Joshua Wambugu, Wageningen University, the Netherlands L-R: Tim Christophersen, UNEP; Martin Frick, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; Joan Kagwanja, African Land Policy Center; Fatoumata Tall, GRAF; Christel Weller-Molongua, GIZ; and Elvis Paul Tangem, African Union Hamadi Boga, Principal Secretary, State Department of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation, Kenya, Johns Muleso Kharika, UNCCD GSW Co-Facilitator Alice Kaudia receiving flowers from Jes Weigelt, TMG Research GSW Co-Facilitators Alexander Müller and Alice Kaudia, officially closed GSW 2019 at 4:05 pm

Highlights for Friday, 17 May 2019 Officials celebrate the successful conclusion of the Sixth Global Platform (L-R:) Marwa El-Menshawy, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Stakeholder Mechanism; Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for DRR; Co-Chair Manuel Sager, State Secretary and Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, Switzerland; and Kirsi Madi, Director, UNDRR. The final day of the Sixth 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) in Geneva, Switzerland, featured a high-level dialogue and several working sessions, including talks on national and local disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), and the role of cities in achieving inclusive climate and disaster resilience. High-level dialogue participants discussed how to work towards achieving the international agendas set out in the Sendai Framework for DRR, the Paris Agreement on climate, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in a coherent manner, with a strong focus on reducing vulnerability and poverty. Participants observed that urbanization is the defining demographic trend of this century, and requires resilient and inclusive infrastructure. Events of the day culminated in the announcement of the 2019 RISK Award winner, which this year went to Nandan Mukherjee at the University of Dundee, for his work in developing floating homes in Bangladesh. The biennial award recognizes outstanding projects in the field of risk reduction and disaster management, and provides €100,000 for project activities, given by the Munich Re Foundation. Closing the event, Co-Chair Manuel Sager, State Secretary and Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, Switzerland, presented highlights from the Co-Chairs’ summary of the Sixth Global Platform, and offered concluding thoughts on what had been achieved during the week: strong exchanges between the DRR and climate action communities; 50% representation of women on panels; multi-stakeholder participation, including by city mayors; and discussions of “the resilience dividend” that can be achieved through action on DRR. He urged more countries to develop and report on DRR strategies at the national and local levels through the Sendai Framework Monitor, an online tool for reporting and analysis. Co-Chair Mami Mizutori, Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), said the 2019 Global Assessment Report sends a clear message that risk is complex and systemic, exacerbates inequality, and preys on the vulnerable. She sounded a call to delegates that “our cause is just and right.” She declared the conference closed at 5:49 PM. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from GP2019, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page High-Level Dialogue Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on pursuing coherence between the Sendai Framework, the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement (L-R): Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs African Union; Norbert Barthle, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany; Audrey Aumua, Pacific Community; Javier Abugattas Fatule, Head, National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN), Peru; and Koko Warner, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Norbert Barthle, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, and Audrey Aumua, Pacific Community Javier Abugattas Fatule, Head of CEPLAN (National Center for Strategic Planning), Peru; and Koko Warner, UNFCCC Minata Samate Cessouma, African Union Working Sessions Panelists at a working session discuss “Ensuring Coordination in the Development and Implementation of National Risk Reduction Strategies and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)” (L-R): Hana Hamadalla Mohamed, Chair of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group; Emmanuel Guzman, Climate Change Commission, Philippines; and Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji. Participants crowd into a meeting room to hear speakers on “Ensuring Coordination in the Development and Implementation of National Risk Reduction Strategies and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).” Panelists address the room at a working session on “Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems: Progress and Challenges to Achieve Target G” (L-R): Peter Felten, Germany; Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO); and Saima Hossain, Shuchona Foundation, Bangladesh Osvaldo Luiz Leal de Moraes, Director of the National Early Warning and Monitoring Centre of Natural Disasters, Brazil Guleid Artan, Director, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and Esline Garaebiti, Vanuatu Panelists address the working session on “Cities on the forefront of achieving inclusive climate and disaster resilience” (L-R): Aromar Revi, Director, Indian Institute for Human Settlements; Farah Kabir, ActionAid, Bangladesh; Sami Kanaan, Mayor of Geneva, Switzerland; Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Jamaica; Cinthia Borjas Valenzuela, Municipality of the Central District of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and Maruxa Cardama, Secretary-General, Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SloCaT) Delegates take part in a working session on “Cities on the forefront of achieving inclusive climate and disaster resilience.” Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid, Bangladesh Cinthia Borjas Valenzuela, Municipality of the Central District of Tegucigalpa, Honduras Risk Award Thomas Loster, Chairman, Munich Re Foundation; Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for DRR; and Nandan Mukarjhee, University of Dundee Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of SRSG for DRR Thomas Loster, Chairman, Munich Re Foundation Around the Venue Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs African Union; Audrey Aumua, Pacific Community; Javier Abugattas Fatule, Head, National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN), Peru; Norbert Barthle, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany; and Koko Warner, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Participants from Nigeria pose for a photograph (L-R): Luqman Salami, Maryam Yau, Ochanya Ruth Anike, and Mustapha Yunusa. Participants around the venue A 3-D printer on display at the conference venue offers possibilities for making equipment that can be used in emergencies. An exhibit shows the use of 3-D printers in emergencies.

Highlights for Wednesday, 15 May 2019 At the opening ceremony, actors from the Theatre Breaking Through Barriers troupe present a dramatization of the Sendai Framework targets, highlighting the importance of Target E on developing national and local strategies for disaster risk reduction (DRR). After two days of preparatory events, the 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) opened on Wednesday on the theme, “Resilience Dividend: Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Societies.”At the welcome plenary in the morning and the opening ceremony at mid-day, speakers from the UN, the World Bank, the host country, and civil society urged attendants to match the stakes of the conference with adequate levels of ambition, which, they noted, takes place at a pivotal historic moment in the fight against climate change.The UN Office for DRR (UNDRR) launched the 2019 Global Assessment Report (GAR). Speakers warned that the increasing intensity of extreme weather events is causing displacement, migration, and conflict. They called for joint action and a focus on the most vulnerable, so as to gain a sustainable “resilience dividend.”Two high-level dialogues, a ministerial roundtable, and various working sessions took place during the day. At the High-Level Dialogue on progress on implementing the Sendai Framework, speakers referred to outcomes from the five regional platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) that took place in 2018. They highlighted statistics on the scope of global risk, with some 265 million individuals having been displaced by disasters since 2008, more than three times as many as displacements caused by conflict. Others discussed the need to further engage with the risks presented by new technologies, and drew attention to the systemic and cascading impacts of risk.In the afternoon, many sessions were packed to capacity. At a Special Session on Women’s Leadership in DRR, panelists discussed the disproportionate impact of disasters on women. At a working session on progress towards the Sendai Framework Implementation, panelists and the audience engaged in a lively discussion on various reporting tools available to track progress on DRR, and on what makes for valid and inclusive data. Other sessions showcased the findings of the GAR 2019, and the actions taken by national and local authorities to promote adoption of DRR strategies that are tailored to realities on the ground. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from GP2019, which is available in HTML and PDF. For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Welcome session (L-R): Shaila Shahid, UNDRR Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism; Laura Tuck, Vice-President for Sustainable Development, World Bank Group (WBG); Manuel Bessler, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for DRR; Petteri Taalas, SG, World Meteorological Organization (WMO); Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) Participants respond to speakers’ remarks at the Welcome Session. (L-R): Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; Petteri Taalas, SG, WMO; and Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, UN-OHRLLS High-Level Dialogues View of the room during the High-Level Dialogue on progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework Malini Mehra, GLOBE International Eduardo José González Angulo, National Disaster Recovery Unit, Colombia Ulziisaikhan Enkhtuvshin, Deputy Prime Minister, Mongolia Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework Beatrice Marshall, Kenya, and Walid Doudech, Permanent Representative of Tunisia in Geneva Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on advances in national and local DRR strategies (L-R): Chandran Nair, moderator; Asako Okai, Assistant Secretary General, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Anna Giacometti, Mayor of Bregaglia, Switzerland; Akihiro Nakamura, Vice Minister for Disaster Management, Japan; Ronald Jackson, Executive Director of Caribbean Disaster and Emergency, Management Agency Barbados; and Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of the Regional Council of Nouakchott, Mauritania Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Indonesia Chandran Nair, moderator Opening Ceremony and Report Launch (L-R): Kirsi Madi, Director, UNDRR; Michael Møller, Director, UN Office at Geneva; Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; Manuel Sage, Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation; Jayathma Wickramanayake, UNSG Special Envoy on Youth; and Manuel Bessler, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR Manuel Sage, Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation Michael Møller, Director, UN Office at Geneva Jayathma Wickramanayake, UNSG Special Envoy on Youth Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji; Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; and Aromar Revi, Director, Indian Institute for Human Settlements Special Session: Women Leadership in DRR (L-R): Saber Hossain, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh; Laura Tuck, Vice President for Sustainable Development, World Bank; Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland; Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs, African Union; and Dolores Devesi, OXFAM, Solomon Islands Participants in the Special Session consider ways to promote women’s leadership in DRR. Working Sessions Panelists at the Working Session on the Global Assessment Report 2019 (L-R): Juan Pablo Sarmiento, Florida International University; Mandisa Kalako-Williams, former SG, South African Red Cross; Kamal Kishore, National Disaster Management Agency, India; Roger Pulwarty, Director of the National Integrated Drought Information System, United States; and Jacqueline McGlade, University College London and Maasai Mara University, Kenya Panelists at the Working Session on Sendai Framework implementation (L-R): Maria Veronica Bastias, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction; Marcie Roth, Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies; Kamal Kishore, NDMA, India; Martha Herrera Gonzalez, Global Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, CEMEX; and Mohamed Hassaan Felfel Abdelsameaa, Information and Decision Support Center, Egypt Ministerial Roundtable Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland (center) Ministerial Roundtable participants discuss DRR, climate change, and the SDGs