The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) 2024 concluded with a strong emphasis on the private sector’s crucial role in building resilient communities.
Hosted by the Philippine government and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the conference brought together government officials, civil society organizations, businesses, and the academe from across the region to monitor, review, and enhance cooperation for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) 2015-2030.
A key highlight of the conference was the participation of Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, Inc., who delivered remarks at both the Private Sector Partners Reception and the Plenary on Localization and Urban and Rural Resilience.
In his address, Sy emphasized the need for the private sector to integrate resilience into their core strategies, invest in vulnerable communities, and foster public-private partnerships. “Let us leverage our collective strength to create a region that is not only resilient but also prosperous and sustainable for generations to come,” he said.
The conference highlighted the strong connection between sustainable development and resilience. Sy emphasized the need to build sustainable cities and communities, noting that as urbanization speeds up, it’s crucial to manage resilience in both cities and rural areas.
SM Prime Holdings, Inc.’s commitment to resilience is evident in its comprehensive disaster preparedness and business continuity programs, such as the “Adopt-a-City” project and innovative mall designs that incorporate features like rainwater catchment basins and earthquake recording instruments.
The SM Resilience Center, a private sector DRR initiative, hosted delegates from the APMCDRR. Participants witnessed a simulation exercise showcasing coordinated disaster response efforts between the private sector, government agencies, and local governments. The center, built in 2019, aims to ensure business continuity and provide disaster-related services to SM properties and their tenants.
The APMCDRR 2024 underscored the importance of a collective effort to address disaster risks. By working together, governments, businesses, and communities can create a safer, more sustainable future, where disasters are not just survived but overcome.
