Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group

G20 countries have a high level of exposure to disaster risk, with a combined estimated Annual Average Loss of $218 billion or 9% of their average annual investment in infrastructure. G20 Leaders’ declarations have from time to time acknowledged the importance of disaster risk reduction and resilience. However, the issue has not been addressed by the G20 in a comprehensive and sustained manner. A new working group on Disaster Risk Reduction has therefore been established under India's Presidency to encourage collective work by the G20, undertake multi-disciplinary research and exchange best practices on disaster risk reduction.

India on assuming the Presidency of the G20 from Indonesia established the first G20 working group on Disaster Risk Reduction, to encourage collective work by the G20, undertake multi-disciplinary research and exchange best practices on disaster risk reduction.

Growing disasters around the world, the majority of which are currently driven by climate change, but also bearing in mind the destructive power of deadly geophysical hazards, threaten the lives of millions and are taking an increasing toll on economic development.

Disasters impact all countries and threaten our collective future, the establishment of this working group is a clear demonstration of the Presidency’s commitment to the theme of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ – ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’


Priorities & Expected Outcomes
Within the overall framework provided by the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, it is proposed that the G20 group of countries work towards following priorities:

1. Global coverage of Early Warning Systems for all hydro-meteorological disasters.
2. Increased commitment towards making infrastructure systems disaster and climate resilient.
3. Stronger national financial frameworks for disaster risk reduction.
4. Strengthened national and global disaster response system to address the consequences of increasing frequency and intensity of disasters.
5. Increased application of ecosystems-based approaches to disaster risk.

DRR Issue Note