LAS organizes Sixth Arab Regional Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction

​The Sixth Arab Regional Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction, held under the theme "Building Resilient Arab Communities: From Understanding to Action," concluded on 12 February. Organized by the League of Arab States (LAS) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for Arab States, the platform brought together representatives from Arab member states, relevant United Nations agencies, civil society institutions, and youth organizations. The event took place in Kuwait City from 10 to 12 February.

Ambassador Khalil Ibrahim Al-Thawadi, Assistant Secretary-General and head of the Arab Affairs and National Security Sector, said that the forum focused on advancing efforts to reduce disaster risks and implement the Sendai Framework alongside the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction. He underscored the forum's significance at a critical juncture in regional efforts to mitigate risks, enhance preparedness, and strengthen cooperation in addressing escalating natural and human-induced hazards. Stressing the importance of solidarity and joint action, he highlighted the necessity of safeguarding lives, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

Ambassador Al-Thawadi further stressed that the political will demonstrated by Arab countries—reflected in their policies and institutional frameworks—must be translated into immediate and concrete action. He called for a proactive approach, urging stakeholders to anticipate and prepare for potential disasters rather than merely responding to their aftermath. This, he noted, should be reinforced by comprehensive regional early warning systems spanning the Arab world.

The platform's opening session was attended by Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Kuwait, Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, and Abdullah Nassif, Governor and Director of Natural Risk Management at the Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Morocco. In his address, Ambassador Al-Thawadi conveyed the greetings of Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, along with his best wishes for the platform's success in achieving meaningful outcomes aligned with its objectives.

Over the course of the platform, numerous dialogue sessions facilitated the exchange of expertise, best practices, and progress updates on the implementation of the Sendai Framework and the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction. The discussions played a crucial role in reinforcing collective efforts to enhance disaster resilience across the Arab region.