Geneva/New Delhi, 5 June 2025 – Marking a pivotal moment in global resilience cooperation for disaster risk reduction and public health, Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, represented India at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025 held in Geneva, Switzerland. Participating in the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group Roundtable, Dr. Mishra called for deeper international cooperation to combat complex, transboundary risks and underscored India’s unwavering commitment to disaster resilience and global health security.
🔶 G20’s Strategic Role in Disaster Risk Reduction
Addressing global delegates, Dr. Mishra emphasized the strategic role of the G20 in promoting disaster risk reduction by harnessing its economic power and development capabilities. He reiterated India’s leadership in elevating resilience-building as a global priority during its G20 presidency in 2023.
He advocated for:
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Enhanced international coordination on disaster prevention and response,
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Mainstreaming resilience in infrastructure development, and
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Equipping vulnerable nations with technical and financial tools to mitigate disaster impacts.
Dr. Mishra reaffirmed that India, under the vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, remains a steadfast partner in global efforts to build sustainable, disaster-resilient futures.
🔶 Welcoming the African Union into the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
On World Environment Day (5 June), Dr. Mishra welcomed the African Union (AU) as the newest member of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) — a multilateral initiative launched by India to promote resilience in infrastructure systems globally.
The announcement was made in the presence of:
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Mr. Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner
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A representative of the CDRI Co-Chair from France, ONU Geneva
This development is especially significant as the African Union’s membership follows its inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 under India’s presidency — a historic diplomatic milestone showcasing India’s commitment to inclusive global governance.
Dr. Mishra hailed the AU’s inclusion as a “step towards South-South solidarity” and a joint commitment to enhance resilience in climate-vulnerable regions across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
🔶 High-Level Meeting with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros
In a parallel engagement, Dr. Mishra held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). The two leaders discussed collaborative initiatives to strengthen global public health infrastructure and preparedness.
Key highlights of the discussion included:
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India’s continued support for the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat
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Preparations for the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, scheduled to be hosted by India in New Delhi in December 2025
Dr. Mishra emphasized India’s rich heritage in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, and its global leadership in integrating traditional knowledge with modern health science. He reaffirmed India’s resolve to expand research, policy dialogue, and capacity-building under WHO’s global frameworks.
🔶 India’s Commitment to Resilient Futures
Through its active engagement at GPDRR 2025, India has sent a clear message: global resilience and health equity are essential pillars of sustainable development. Under Dr. Mishra’s leadership, India continues to offer innovative solutions, build multilateral partnerships, and lead by example in areas such as:
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Climate adaptation
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Disaster preparedness
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Health system strengthening
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Sustainable infrastructure
With its inclusive, action-oriented approach, India aims to shape a future where the world is better prepared for disasters, and health systems are more equitable, accessible, and resilient for all.
For more details check press release on PIB website.
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