The Deputy Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), Sulaiman B. Sowa, has participated in a high-level meeting of the Africa Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction (AWGDRR), held from March 26–27, 2026, in Burundi. The strategic meeting, convened by the African Union Commission, with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction serving as Secretariat, brought together key regional and national stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and Africa’s Programme of Action.
Held under the theme “Accelerating Action on the Windhoek Declaration and the Africa Common Position to the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 Commitments,” the summit focused on scaling up investments in multi-hazard early warning systems, strengthening risk-informed governance, and promoting sustainable financing for disaster resilience across the continent. Mr. Sowa’s participation underscored Sierra Leone’s growing engagement in continental disaster risk reduction efforts, particularly at a time when African countries face increasing threats from climate change, flooding, landslides, and other natural hazards.
His presence also provided an opportunity to deepen partnerships and explore innovative funding mechanisms to support national climate adaptation and disaster preparedness initiatives. During the deliberations, Mr. Sowa emphasized the urgent need to accelerate investments in multi-hazard early warning systems, noting that timely and accurate information remains critical to saving lives and minimizing economic losses. He further highlighted the importance of strengthening risk-informed governance structures and ensuring sustainable financing mechanisms that can support long-term resilience-building efforts.
He also called for inclusive, community-led approaches to disaster risk management, stressing that local communities must be placed at the center of planning and response strategies. According to him, the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters across Africa demand coordinated, people-centered solutions that integrate indigenous knowledge with modern technology. The meeting additionally reflected on the broader relevance of the Windhoek Declaration, adopted in 1991, which underscores the importance of a free, independent, and pluralistic media in promoting transparency, accountability, and effective communication—key pillars in disaster risk management and emergency response.
The AWGDRR continues to serve as Africa’s principal platform for coordinating disaster risk reduction initiatives, offering technical guidance and support to member states in implementing regional strategies and accessing global frameworks and financing opportunities. Mr. Sowa’s participation reinforces NDMA’s pivotal role in leveraging regional and international partnerships to strengthen Sierra Leone’s disaster management systems. It also reflects the government’s broader commitment to building a resilient nation capable of anticipating, mitigating, and effectively responding to disaster risks.
