Malacañang announced the suspension of classes and government work in Manila and Pasay on October 14 and 15, 2024, in light of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR). This international event will take place at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) from October 14 to 18, 2024. The conference, co-organized by the Philippine government and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), serves as the primary platform in the Asia-Pacific region to assess, review, and boost collaboration in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
The APMCDRR 2024 is particularly significant as it is the first regional meeting following the adoption of the Political Declaration of the Sendai Framework Midterm Review. With the theme “Surge to 2030: Enhancing Ambition in Asia-Pacific to Accelerate Disaster Risk Reduction,” the conference will serve as a venue for nations, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, academic institutions, and civil society groups to discuss strategies for reducing disaster risks in one of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
The event will focus on sharing innovative solutions, reviewing existing disaster risk reduction efforts, and setting actionable goals to be achieved by 2030. It will also promote greater ambition in implementing the Sendai Framework, which aims to minimize the impact of disasters globally through improved cooperation and sustainable practices.
The conference’s ministerial segment, scheduled for October 15, will be attended by government ministers and key officials by invitation. The meeting will allow country representatives to deliver statements on their progress in disaster risk reduction. Moreover, written official statements from member states and various stakeholder organizations, such as the United Nations and regional bodies, will be submitted in advance, detailing each entity’s contribution to implementing the Sendai Framework.
In line with the conference’s commitment to inclusivity, the participation of women and persons with disabilities will be highly encouraged, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in discussions.
The class and work suspensions are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and ensure the smooth conduct of the high-level conference, which will bring together global experts and leaders in disaster risk reduction.