India launches private sector alliance to reduce disaster losses and risks

Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Mami Mizutori has highlighted the importance of private sector in preventing and reducing the existing disaster related risks.

"The new group Arise India will turn the private sector's attention to the importance of action before a disaster strikes and to take advantage of opportunities that emerge to build back better after a disaster hit," she said while launching the initiative at industry body FICCI.

Mizutori said DRR offers a suitable tool to enhance business resilience and a business case for its implementation.

"As captains of industry, you hold enormous influence within your own domains and your communities. Through the investments you make and the decisions you take, you directly impact the built world around us."

N C Vij, Chairman of FICCI Committee UN ARISE DM, said it is vital for the Indian economy that the private sector is resilient to impacts of disaster and climate risks.

Arise India will help the country to meet the targets for reducing disaster losses set out in the global plan, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, he said.

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