Over 3,000 participants gathered in Geneva last week for the 8th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR), convened under the theme “Every Day Counts: Act for Resilience Today.” Representatives from national and local governments, UN agencies, civil society, and disaster risk reduction experts came together to share knowledge, assess current trends, identify gaps and make recommendations to accelerate implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The GPDRR featured a diverse program of sessions and side-events, with a strong emphasis on the role of local and regional governments (LRGs) in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Key discussions focused on inclusive disaster risk governance, funding solutions for local DRR, local capacity building, and strengthening urban resilience. A recurring highlight was the widespread adoption of a “whole-of-government, whole-of-society” approach that shaped both the participation in and narrative of the platform.
Localization of the Sendai framework to reach its objectives by 2030 emerged as one of the central messages of the week. The Co-Chairs’ Summary – issued by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and Switzerland – underscores that building resilience is a shared responsibility and that DRR multi-governance is essential to ensure solutions are inclusive, equitable and transparent. It also calls for the empowerment of subnational and municipal actors, supported by adequate resources, including improved access to direct local financing.
The Sendai Framework has long acknowledged the importance of local and regional governments, calling for the empowerment of local authorities with resources, decision-making capacity, and meaningful involvement in DRR. As such, LRGs are increasingly recognized as integral to effective disaster risk management. This recognition was clearly reflected at the GPDRR, where numerous LRG representatives from across the globe convened and were hosted by the Global Cities Hub (GCH) and Switzerland for a dedicated networking event.
In her plenary statement, GCH Co-Director Anh Thu Duong reaffirmed that the Sendai Framework stands out among UN agreements for explicitly acknowledging the central role of LRGs. She also highlighted the persistent challenge of limited access to international funding faced by these local actors. The upcoming Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (30 June-3 July 2025, Sevilla) presents a critical opportunity to reform the international financial architecture and facilitate LRGs’ access to resources for local DRR and climate action initiatives.
To advance this goal, the GCH and the Global Parliament of Mayors launched the Mayors’ Declaration on Financing for Development to build a better, more equitable world for future generations. This declaration calls for stronger collaboration between local governments, national governments, international financial institutions, and the private sector to develop innovative financing models that will support resilient infrastructure for future generations. All mayors are invited to endorse and sign the Declaration.
As the world faces escalating climate and disaster risks, the GPDRR made it clear: meaningful disaster resilience can only be achieved by working hand in hand with local actors. The momentum from Geneva must now translate into concrete action — mobilizing funding, building capacity, and enshrining the voice of local governments in global decision-making forums. Only then can the goals of the Sendai Framework be truly realized by 2030.