Islamabad: In an attempt to address challenges of disaster risks and vulnerability faced by Pakistan, National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) and International Rescue Committee (IRC) have solidified their commitment for enhancing resilience in Pakistan through signing of Memorandum of Understanding. This initiative marks significant collaboration between NDMRF Pakistan leading public sector entity and IRC global humanitarian organisation.

Pakistan faces some of highest disaster risk levels in world, ranked 11 out of 193 countries by 2023 World Risk Report. Pakistan also has high exposure to flooding, including flash and coastal as well as exposure to tropical cyclones and drought. Disaster risk in Pakistan is further exacerbated by its social vulnerability. Pakistan’s vulnerability ranking (37 out of 191) is driven by its high rates of multidimensional poverty.

Scope of this collaboration encompasses joint efforts in strengthening community-based disaster risk management/reduction models, outlook for anticipatory actions. This includes consultations on innovative programmes and policy ideas for strengthening resilience in communities, civil society organisations and relevant institutions. NDRMF and IRC will leverage their partner networks to foster collaboration in areas of mutual interest. Organisations further commit to share technical assistance for developing repository of best practices on resilience.

In realm of policy advocacy, organisations will engage in public profiling and awareness programs to address issues exacerbating climate adaptation and resilience markers. This would entail co-creating evidence pieces for informed decision making, programming and potential avenues of technology transfers as well as to disseminate research findings to build a consistent, coherent national to global narrative.

In joint statement, Bilal Anwar CEO NDRMF and Shabnam Baloch Country Director IRC conveyed their unwavering commitment to newly formed partnership. They underscored critical significance of collaborative initiatives, tackling multifaceted challenges presented by climate change and natural disasters specifically within context of Pakistan. Anwar and Baloch recognised potential of Pakistani youth as catalysts for positive change and committed in engaging them in co-creation of solutions. They highlighted importance of youth engagement at grassroots level, ensuring that perspectives and innovative ideas of youth are integral to initiatives undertaken by NDRMF and IRC.

Published in The Daily National Courier, January, 05 2024

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