By NOXOLO DLAMINI
PIGGS PEAK – Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has challenged African governments and development partners to turn commitments on disaster risk reduction into practical action that protects lives, livelihoods and development gains.
Delivering a ministerial statement at the International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (ICCRR 2026) in Maputo, Mozambique yesterday, Dladla called for stronger institutional capacity, accessible resilience financing and empowered communities equipped to act on risk information before disasters strike.
She emphasised that the success of disaster resilience initiatives should be measured by their impact on people’s lives, rather than promises made at international conferences.
“Our measure of success will not simply be the commitments we have made here in Maputo. It will be whether, when the next shock comes, our people are safe, our livelihoods are protected and our development gains endure,” she said.
The Deputy Prime Minister urged delegates and partners to ensure that the conference produces tangible results, stressing the need to move beyond discussions and pledges towards implementation.
She called for ICCRR 2026 to be remembered as “the moment we moved from mere commitment to delivery.”
Dladla’s statement highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions responsible for disaster risk management, ensuring that financing for resilience is accessible, and empowering communities to use risk information to prepare for potential disasters.
These priorities place emphasis on preparedness and prevention, enabling communities and institutions to take action before hazards develop into disasters that threaten lives, property and livelihoods.
She also commended Mozambique for leading by example as a resilient nation, acknowledging its role in demonstrating the importance of strengthening resilience in the face of disaster risks.
The Deputy Prime Minister further recognised the African Union Commission for advancing a bold, practical and people-centred common agenda for disaster risk reduction and resilience across the continent.
Her address underscored the importance of cooperation among governments, regional institutions, development partners and communities in building resilience and ensuring that disaster preparedness efforts translate into meaningful protection for people.
As delegates and partners gather in Maputo, the call is for commitments made at ICCRR 2026 to result in practical measures that strengthen preparedness, protect vulnerable communities and safeguard development achievements against future shocks.
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