Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P. K. Mishra, addressed the Ministerial Roundtable on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Financing at Geneva on 04th June 2025. He commended the UNDRR and its partners for convening this critical discussion. India also recognized the contributions of Brazil and South Africa in continuing the global dialogue through their G20 presidencies.

Dr. Mishra underscored that DRR financing is not a peripheral issue but central to the effective functioning of national disaster management systems and the safeguarding of development gains in the face of rising climate and disaster risks. He reaffirmed India’s belief that a strong and responsive DRR financing architecture is a cornerstone of resilience.

Highlighting India’s journey in DRR financing, he noted that initial allocations by early Finance Commissions amounted to INR 60 million (approximately USD 0.7 million). Today, the cumulative outlay under the 15th Finance Commission exceeds INR 2.32 trillion (approximately USD 28 billion).

Dr. Mishra emphasized the importance of pre-determined, rule-based allocations flowing from national to state and district levels, supported by the Disaster Management Act of 2005. He said that this transformation ensured that disaster financing is structured and predictable rather than reactive.

Outlining India’s DRR financing approach built on four key principles, Shri Mishra said First, Dedicated financial windows for preparedness, mitigation, relief, and recovery. Second, Prioritization of the needs of affected people and vulnerable communities. The third, Accessibility of financial resources across all government levels—central, state, and local. Fourth principle being Accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes guiding all expenditures.

Dr. Mishra stressed that disaster risk financing must be nationally owned and driven, complemented by international cooperation. While each country must tailor its system to its governance framework, fiscal context, and risk profile, global benchmarks and guidance remain essential.

Recognizing the need for diverse financial instruments beyond public finance, he noted that mechanisms such as risk pooling, insurance, and innovative financial tools should be developed in alignment with local affordability and fiscal sustainability.

At the global level, Dr. Mishra identified a crucial gap: the absence of a dedicated international financial mechanism to support the establishment and strengthening of DRR financing systems. He called for the creation of a global facility, backed by the UN system and multilateral financial institutions, to provide catalytic funding, technical assistance, and a platform for knowledge exchange.

India urged the Ministerial Roundtable to move beyond statements of intent and toward concrete, time-bound outcomes. Dr. Mishra reaffirmed India’s commitment to leadership and collaboration in developing a nationally driven yet internationally supported DRR financing framework.

🇮🇳 Principal Secretary to PM delivered India's statement at #GPDRR2025 Geneva, showcasing the world's largest nationally anchored #DRR financing system.

Called for concrete, time-bound outcomes, and creation of a global facility for catalytic funding, technical assistance &… pic.twitter.com/Q3SZ2pVn7L
— India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) June 4, 2025

🇮🇳🇰🇪 Principal Secretary to PM meets Cabinet Secretary @kipmurkomen of Kenya on the sidelines of #GPDRR2025 Geneva.

Productive discussions on strengthening India-Kenya cooperation in various areas, including disaster risk reduction, sharing best practices in DRR, and building… pic.twitter.com/52CWaJPm0n
— India at UN, Geneva (@IndiaUNGeneva) June 4, 2025

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MJPS/SR

Ministerial Press Release