STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF FRIENDS OF DISASTER RISK REDUCTION TO THE SEVENTH SPECIAL THEMATIC SESSION ON WATER AND DISASTERS (STSWD7)
Statement by H.E Beth Delaney, Ambassador and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of Australia to the United Nations
8 July 2025
Chair, Excellencies, Colleagues,
It is my honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of Friends of Disaster Risk Reduction, a coalition of nearly 50 Member States committed to advancing the Sendai Framework and integrating disaster risk reduction across all relevant intergovernmental processes and outcomes negotiated here in New York.
The frequency and intensity of disasters continue to rise. According to the World Bank, over 40% of the global population is affected by water scarcity, while water-related disasters account for 70% of all disaster-related deaths. These figures underscore the urgent need for risk-informed approaches to water management.
Water is central to the 2030 Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. Water-related hazards threaten lives, livelihoods, agrifood systems, and essential infrastructure, among others, which increase hunger and poverty. Ensuring universal access to safe, affordable drinking water and adequate sanitation—particularly for women and girls—is foundational to building resilient communities. The political declaration of the Sendai Framework Midterm review highlights the mutually reinforcing relationship between sound water resource management and reducing disaster risk.
The UN System-wide Strategy for Water and Sanitation rightly emphasizes the critical link between water and resilience.
In this context, we wish to highlight three key priorities:
First, integrated, risk-informed water resource management is essential for effective disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and climate adaptation, in line with the Geneva Call for Disaster Risk Reduction emerging from the Global Platform held in June 2025.
Second, resilience must be embedded in water planning through robust infrastructure, informed communities, and strengthened adaptive capacities.
Third, early warning systems must be matched by early action. A clear, coordinated pathway from alerts to timely, inclusive responses is vital to protect the most vulnerable.
We commend the convening of the Seventh Special Thematic Session on Water and Disasters (STSWD7). As the concept note reminds us, “water-related disasters present unique opportunities for cooperation”, when countries share critical information and provide mutual assistance, they not only strengthen trust and deepen partnerships, but also advance collective disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts.
Thank you for convening this important dialogue.