BRICS countries adopt action plan to reduce risk of climate-related disasters

A ministerial meeting of BRICS countries dedicated to disaster risk reduction was held in Brasilia. Following the discussions, the parties adopted a joint declaration and presented a work plan for 2025–2028. The announcement was published on the official website of Brazil’s BRICS Presidency.

The final document aims to strengthen climate resilience and international cooperation in addressing climate-related disasters.

“Brazil’s active participation at BRICS is a reflection of our commitment to leveraging public policies that strengthen resilient infrastructure and promote integrated actions to address disasters,” stated Brazil’s Minister of Cities, Jader Filho.

The joint declaration outlines recommendations for reducing and responding to climate disaster risks. The document reaffirms the member states’ commitment to a common agenda focused on disaster prevention, climate adaptation, and the promotion of sustainable development grounded in social justice.

The declaration highlights four key principles:

• integration of development and social justice into disaster risk reduction policies;

• strengthening of preventive approaches in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030;

• development of strategies that incorporate climate considerations;

• advancement of resilience initiatives.

The 2025–2028 work plan focuses on prevention, mitigation, and adaptation to climate change. It outlines four priority areas:

• addressing inequality;

• establishing effective early warning systems and enhancing capacity for forecasting and disaster prevention;

• developing resilient infrastructure;

• incorporating the experience and knowledge of local communities into disaster risk management.

In addition, the participants agreed to update the name of the working group to better reflect its mandate within BRICS. It will now be called the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Group.

Photo: iStock