Geneva: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is leading Malaysia's delegation to the Eighth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in Geneva on June 4 and 5.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Foreign Ministry (MOFA) stated that Ahmad Zahid is accompanied by senior officials from MOFA, the Deputy Prime Minister's Office, and the National Disaster Management Agency. During the session, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to deliver Malaysia's National Statement. He will also participate in a ministerial roundtable session discussing 'Safe Schools Now: Protecting Every Child from Disaster and Climate Risk'.

The Deputy Prime Minister plans to emphasize Malaysia's steadfast commitment to disaster management. This includes the launch of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy, the implementation of the Safe School Programme, the Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction Programme, and the introduction of a Disaster Risk Reduction education programme.

While in Geneva, Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is scheduled to meet with Kamal Kishore, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. The meeting aims to explore potential collaboration opportunities between Malaysia and international partners on disaster risk management.

The GPDRR serves as a platform for assessing progress made by United Nations member states regarding the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. Malaysia, a pioneer member of this network, remains dedicated to managing and pre-empting disasters in alignment with the 2030 National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy.