Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025

“Every Day Counts, Act for Resilience Today”

2 – 6 June 2025, Geneva, Switzerland

EU Statement

Chair, Excellences and Distinguished Delegates,

I speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania*, Ukraine, Republic of Moldova, and Georgia, as well as Armenia align themselves with this statement.

1. I would like to thank the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction for convening the 8th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the Government of Switzerland for hosting it in Geneva. Disaster Risk Reduction is a critical global priority in our rapidly changing world. As regards IDPs, all EU cooperation programmes adopt an inclusive approach and when not explicitly targeted, internally displaced communities are mainstreamed in our development actions as we aim to holistically address root causes of fragility. We cover inter alia education, social protection or job creation benefitting not only IDPs, but also refugees, returnees and all other persons affected by displacement and in vulnerable situations.
2. With just over five years remaining until the Sendai Framework’s 2030 deadline and amidst a challenging political landscape, the Global Platform represents a key moment for the international community to renew its commitment and action to forge a more sustainable and resilient future for all. The European Union remains steadfast in its commitment to support disaster risk reduction and resilience efforts both at home and abroad.
3. In March, the Commission unveiled the Preparedness Union Strategy, aimed at strengthening Europe's ability to anticipate, prevent and respond to emerging threats. This Strategy adopts an all-hazards, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society approach.
4. Together with its Member States, the European Union will work on fortifying a Union that protects, with a crisis management framework centered on anticipation, resilience of vital societal functions, population preparedness, civil-military and public-private cooperation, enhanced crisis response coordination and external partnerships.
5. We aim to foster an inclusive culture of preparedness, ensuring no one is left behind. We will especially ensure that women and persons in situation of vulnerability, such as children, older people and persons with disabilities, are informed, well prepared and protected.
6. The Union Civil Protection Mechanism remains a cornerstone of European cooperation for prevention, preparedness and response to disasters, and an outstanding example of EU solidarity. We will strive to further improve its effectiveness and efficiency, consolidating its current functioning.
7. The Emergency Response Coordination Centre, the heart of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, will be strengthened in order to better respond to disasters, improve its operational efficiency and further upscale its support to Member States’ actions.
8. The European Union continues to be a leader in climate action, committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Ambitious climate action will help us prevent and adapt to the impacts of a warming planet. The EU published its first Climate Risk Assessment in 2024, which underscores the need to adopt urgent and decisive action to address climate risks.

In the interest of time, I stop here. The full statement will be made available online.

Thank you.

*North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.