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Priority 1:
Addressing Inequalities and Reducing Vulnerabilities

Priority 2:
Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems

Priority 3:
Disaster Resilient Infrastructure

Priority 4:
Financing for DRR

Priority 5:
Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction

Priority 6:
Ecosystems-Based Approaches for DRR / Nature-Based Solutions

DAY 6

Today, the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) Ministers’ Meeting will focus on the formal adoption of the Ministerial Declaration and the implementation of the High-Level Principles for Financing Disaster Risk Reduction under the auspices of the G20 UNDRR.

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa, will also conduct bilaterals engagements in aid of enhancing global cooperation and solidarity.

##G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #BetterAfricaBetterWorld

DAY 2

G20 Delegates Visit Green Point to Explore Coastal Protection and Eco-Based Disaster Risk Reduction

G20 delegates and key partners gathered today at Green Point Urban Park and the Atlantic Coast under the theme “Coastal Protection and Eco-Based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)”, as part of South Africa’s hosting of the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group.

The engagement highlighted how coastal cities like Cape Town are increasingly affected by climate change, sea-level rise, and severe storm surges, which threaten infrastructure, livelihoods, and ecosystems. The Green Point coastline served as a living case study of urban vulnerability and resilience-building through ecosystem-based approaches (EbA).

DAY 2

SIDE EVENTS

Today, the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) Ministers’ meeting Side Events will focus on the following imperatives:

  • Investing Ahead of Impact: Integrating Risk Reduction and Pre-Arranged Finance in a Changing Risk Landscape
  • Investing in risk information, knowledge, and innovation to build resilience of critical infrastructure and housing.

##G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #BetterAfricaBetterWorld

DAY 3

Minister Hlabisa Officially Welcomes G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group Delegates to South Africa

In his address, Minister Hlabisa acknowledged dignitaries and experts from across the world,  members of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, and representatives from G20 member states and international agencies.

He stressed South Africa’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, sharing best practices, and building resilient communities that can withstand disasters and climate-related shocks. The Minister also recognised the role of traditional and Khoi-San leaders in promoting community preparedness and resilience.

The G20 DRR Working Group continues its programme this week with site visits, technical sessions, and high-level discussions focused on global cooperation in disaster risk management and climate resilience.

##G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #BetterAfricaBetterWorld

DAY 4

SIDE EVENTS

Today, the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) Ministers’ meeting Side Events will focus on the final Ministerial Declaration Negotiations as well as moving from Knowledge to Action: Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction.

##G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #BetterAfricaBetterWorld

DAY 4

SIDE EVENTS

Today, the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) Ministers’ meeting Side Events will focus on the final Ministerial Declaration Negotiations as well as moving from Knowledge to Action: Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction.

##G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #BetterAfricaBetterWorld

DAY 4

SIDE EVENTS

Today, the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) Ministers’ meeting Side Events will focus on the final Ministerial Declaration Negotiations as well as moving from Knowledge to Action: Scaling Nature-Based Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction.

##G20SouthAfrica #ReKaofela #BetterAfricaBetterWorld

WORKING GROUP on DISASTER RISK REDUCTION

4th Working Group and Ministerial Meeting | WESTERN CAPE
Lord Charles Hotel
City of Cape Town Metropolitan
08-13 October 2025
3rd Working Group Meeting  | GAUTENG
City of Johannesburg Metropolitan
07-10 July 2025
2nd Working Group Meeting | KWAZULU-NATAL 
eThekwini Metropolitan
10-11 April 2025

PRIORITY 1: ADDRESSING INEQUALITIES AND REDUCING VULNERABILITIES

  • The G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) is committed to promoting inclusive, community-driven strategies that prioritize vulnerable populations.
  • During the Brazilian Presidency in 2024, the G20 DRR WG prioritized tackling the socio-economic disparities that exacerbate the impacts of disasters, especially on marginalized communities.
  • Risk transfer instruments can address inequalities in DRR by providing financial protection for vulnerable communities, helping them recover quickly and reduce long-term economic impacts.

Deliverable:

  • A compendium of risk transfer solutions that can support vulnerable communities to access much-needed cash liquidity quickly in both pre- and post-disaster scenarios.

PRIORITY 2: GLOBAL COVERAGE OF EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS

  • The G20 prioritized global Early Warning Systems (EWS) in support of the “Early Warnings for All” initiative.
  • The G20 is committed to enhancing investments in research, development, and data sharing to strengthen global EW infrastructure.
  • Cellular broadcast solutions deliver real-time alerts directly to mobile devices without internet access, especially effective in rural and remote areas.
  • Despite advancements, challenges persist, including achieving interoperability across various mobile networks and devices, addressing regulatory and funding constraints, and ensuring full geographic coverage.

Deliverable:

  • Develop an input paper on the progress, barriers, and enabling mechanisms to deliver Cellular Broadcasting as a scalable solution for last mile delivery of EWS.

PRIORITY 3: DISASTER RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE

  • Disaster-resilient infrastructure is integral to global resilience efforts, aligning with Target D of the Sendai Framework, which aims to significantly reduce damage to critical infrastructure and disruptions to essential services by 2030.
  • This priority supports the United Nations Secretary General’s (UN SG’s) Call to Action on Extreme Heat, urging nations to protect vulnerable populations and adapt infrastructure to rising temperatures.
  • To address these impacts, it is essential to explore technologies that enhance the thermal performance of housing, such as materials that reflect heat or promote passive cooling.

Deliverables:

  • A compendium of case studies showcasing traditional housing designs, which incorporate natural cooling techniques suited to local climates.
  • A compendium of case studies highlighting flood-resistant housing and cyclone-proof facilities that incorporate climate-resilient design principles.

PRIORITY 4: FINANCING FOR DRR

  • The G20 DRR WG highlighted the importance of creating inclusive, locally-led financing strategies to address inequalities and support comprehensive recovery, especially in developing countries and vulnerable areas.
  • The G20 DRR WG invited the Knowledge Partners to draft voluntary high-level principles that align with Priority 3 of the Sendai Framework, focusing on “Investing in DRR for Resilience.”

Deliverable:

  • Consulted draft high-level principles for financing in DRR for consideration by the DRR WG.

PRIORITY 5: DISASTER RECOVERY, REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION

  • The G20 prioritizes resilient recovery that addresses inequalities. Many countries face the challenge of restoring both physical infrastructure, but also social systems and economies impacted by disasters.
  • The G20 DRR WG advocates for accessible, inclusive, and sustainable recovery efforts, that support vulnerable populations through adaptive social protection and equitable financial strategies. Regular recovery readiness assessments are essential for achieving sustainable post-disaster outcomes, ensuring that recovery mechanisms are continuously improved to meet emerging risks and challenges.

Deliverable:

  • Consulted and piloted Recovery Readiness Assessment Framework for consideration by the WG.

PRIORITY 6: ECOSYSTEMS-BASED APPROACHES (EBA) FOR DRR / NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS (NBS)

  • The G20 DRR WG has emphasized the various co-benefits of EbA & NbS.
  • Scaling-up EbA for DRR and NBS face challenges including limited funding, insufficient technical expertise, and competing land-use priorities.
  • These approaches require sustained investments and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, while also needing policy support and cross-sectoral collaboration to effectively integrate into national and local disaster strategies.

Deliverable:

  • A compendium of case studies and analysis of policies that incentivize investment in EbA and NbS, such as subsidies, tax benefits, and climate finance integration, which encourage both public and private sector engagement.

G20 DRR Working Group Site Visits | Kliptown Soweto

The Gauteng Province and the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality presented tangible Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives. Delegates explored resilience-focused projects that offer globally relevant insights into effective risk mitigation strategies.

Afternoon Session: Bilateral Engagements and Local Exploration

Participants had the opportunity to engage in bilateral meetings or explore the local context through guided site visits, fostering collaboration and deeper understanding.

Key Focus Areas

The site visits facilitated context-rich discussions among Member States and Knowledge Partners on three priority themes of the G20 DRR Working Group:

Priority 6: Ecosystems-Based Approaches and Nature-Based Solutions

Priority 3: Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure

Priority 5: Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction

These themes were explored through practical demonstrations aimed at reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience.

Strategic Significance

Kliptown was selected as the host site to highlight the intersection of disaster risk, poverty, and vulnerability in historically underserved urban communities. The focus is on seasonal winter hazards, particularly shack fires in informal settlements.

The installation of fire smoke detectors during the site visit exemplifies South Africa’s commitment—under its G20 Presidency—to transition from dialogue to action. This hands-on engagement sets the stage for robust and solution-oriented discussions in the upcoming Technical Working Group sessions.

DAY 1 – 08 APRIL 2025

Interactive Side Events to Inform the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WG) Deliberations.

DAY 2 – 09 APRIL 2025

eThekwini Site and Project Visits to Inform the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRR WC) Deliberations.

ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY ​RESPONSE AND RECOVERY GRANT FUNDED PROJECTS PRESENTATION –G20 VISIT

9 APRIL  2025

  • ENGINEERING UNIT​
  • ROADS PROVISION, ​
  • COASTAL, STORMWATER AND CATCHMENT MANAGEMENT, AND​
  • ROADS AND STORMWATER MAINTENANCE​
View Projects in detail

SOUTH AFRICA TOOK THE PRESIDENCY FOR 2025

South Africa faces significant disaster risk challenges, influenced by a combination of natural hazards and socio-economic vulnerabilities. The country is highly susceptible to climate-induced disasters, including droughts, floods, and wildfires, which have intensified with climate change, impacting communities, agriculture, and water resources. For instance, the 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal affected over 40,000 people, highlighting the growing severity of such events. This frequency poses a serious threat to development, disrupting livelihoods and undermining economic growth, especially in rural and underserved regions.