Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Chumakov at the High-level humanitarian event on “Anticipatory action: a commitment to act before crises”

 

Thank you very much, Ramesh, for giving me the floor. 

Let me express our gratitude to all our distinguished speakers. 

The subject of today’s discussion comes at the times when the world faces the highest number of those in need of humanitarian assistance, setting anti-record as of 237 million people. The year 2020 with the COVID-19 reality put on hold progressive socio-economic development even in the richest countries, while traditionally disaster-prone States experienced the multiplied affect of pandemic and natural disasters and suffered the most. Getting back to the recovery track will take time and we all should work together to assist efficiently and effectively to the most vulnerable. 

Mr. Chair,

We commend the work of the UN on the “anticipatory track” with the goal to reduce suffering and destructions from natural disasters and adverse impacts of climate change. Anticipatory approaches in the work of OCHA, WFP, FAO and UNFPA already showed excellent results of scientific, technological and political collaboration. Provided examples by our panelists speak for themselves.

At the same time while fully recognizing the effectiveness of preventive humanitarian steps, we proceed from the strong belief that any anticipatory action must be undertaken with the consent and in close coordination with the national Governments.

We actively advocate for the development of measures at the international level aimed at strengthening national, regional and global capabilities for reliable forecasting of natural hazards, proactive preparation for and notification of them. We support the strengthening of the central role of the UN in this area. An important step in this work is undoubtedly the effective implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

It is vital to underscore the importance of developing cooperation in the field of disaster risk reduction at the regional level, using the potential of the UN regional economic commissions, especially UN ESCAP, which is better placed in the most disaster-prone region of the world.

I thank you.