ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address the challenges of disaster risks and vulnerability faced by Pakistan.
A news release on Thursday said that the agreement has solidified the commitment of both sides for enhancing climate resilience in Pakistan.
The initiative shows a significant cooperation between NDMRF Pakistan a leading public sector entity and IRC a global humanitarian organization.
Pakistan has been ranked 11 out of 193 countries by the 2023 World Risk Report.
The country also has high exposure to flooding, as well as exposure to tropical cyclones and drought.
The disaster risk in Pakistan is further aggravated by its social vulnerability. Pakistan’s vulnerability ranking (37 out of 191) is driven by its high rates of poverty.
The scope of this partnership encompasses joint efforts in boosting Community-Based Disaster Risk Management and Reduction models. This includes consultations on policy ideas for strengthening resilience in communities, innovative programmes, civil society organizations (CSOs), and relevant institutions.
NDRMF, IRC to foster cooperation
NDRMF and IRC will use their partner networks to foster cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The organizations further commit to share technical assistance.
In the area of policy advocacy, the organizations will engage in public profiling and awareness programs to fight issues exacerbating climate adaptation and resilience markers. This would help in co-creating evidence pieces for informed decision making, potential avenues of technology transfers, programming as well as to disseminate research findings to build a consistent, coherent national to international narrative.
The CEO, NDRMF, Bilal Anwar and Country Director IRC, Shabnam Baloch In a joint statement, conveyed their firm commitment to the newly formed partnership. They highlighted the critical significance of collaborative initiatives, tackling the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters specifically within the context of Pakistan.
Both acknowledged the potential of the Pakistani youth as catalyst for positive change and committed in engaging them in the co-creation of solutions. They emphasized the importance of youth engagement at the grassroots level, ensuring that the perspectives and innovative ideas of the youth are integral to initiatives undertaken by NDRMF and IRC.
