Luanda: The United Nations (UN) resident coordinator in Angola, Diego Zorrilla, emphasized the significance of community preparedness in preventing and responding to disasters within their localities. Addressing the media during the National Conference on the Integration of Strategies for Risk Reduction and Emergency Response, Zorrilla highlighted that civil protection efforts should focus on raising public awareness about natural risks and disasters, enabling communities to make informed decisions during adverse events.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Zorrilla reaffirmed the ongoing collaboration between UN agencies and the Angolan government to mitigate natural disaster risks. He noted that current programs are focused on disseminating information and establishing international partnerships to support civil protection initiatives.
The conference, organized by the Civil Protection and Fire Service in observance of International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, aims to enhance national capacity for disaster risk reduction, integrated pre-hospital care, and building fire prevention. Opened by Francisco Furtado, the Minister of State and Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic, the event carries the theme 'Finance Resilience, not Disasters.'
International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1989, seeks to raise awareness globally among governments, organizations, and citizens about the importance of proactive disaster risk prevention rather than merely reacting to catastrophes.
