As president, India can guide G20’s disaster management initiatives

Source: This post has been created based on the article “As president, India can guide G20’s disaster management initiatives”, published in Indian Express on 16^th May 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management

News: The G20 has endorsed a new working group on disaster risk reduction under India’s Presidency. This article discusses the significance of disaster risk management and mitigation.

What are the socio-economic impacts of disasters?

There is an increase in catastrophes across the globe. These disasters have been increasing poverty, thwarting development, and generating social polarisation.

The annual disaster losses have a significant impact on GDP in many low-income economies.

What are the challenges faced by countries in dealing with disaster related challenges?

Partnership with private insurance companies transfer sovereign risk to the capital markets.

There is also a scarcity of investment in a development-oriented approach to manage disasters.

Difficulty in collecting and analysing data on hazards and exposures.

The necessity of strengthening technical and institutional capacity for risk assessment and modelling.

The challenge of achieving comprehensive coverage of disaster risks.

What role can Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRWG) play in disaster risk management?

It will prioritize disaster risk financing.

It will provide a comprehensive overview of disaster risk assessment and financing practices across various economies.

The G20 DRRWG can play a significant role in directing capital flow towards investments that make societies and economies more disaster resilient.

The DRRWG aims to establish critical links between public and private actors’ investment and financial decision-making.

How India can be instrumental in strengthening disaster risk management mechanisms?

India has extensive experience in dealing with natural disasters, so it can lead the way in promoting awareness of the financial impacts of disasters. India can help in establishing a regulatory framework to enhance insurance companies’ financial capacity to cover disaster losses.