Current global trends, such as extreme events, conflict, economic shocks and ecosystem degradation, are converging with existing high levels of structural vulnerability, including poverty, weak governance and fragile agrifood systems. These compounding risks can intensify the scale and frequencies of disasters, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations, especially in fragile and conflict-affected settings. 

Agriculture absorbs 23% of total economic impacts from disasters and this goes up to more than 65% if considering drought alone. The livelihoods of 2.5 billion people depend on agriculture; while this sector provides resilience solutions to disasters and climate change. Hence, investing in disaster risk reduction is of critical importance in view of the ongoing interconnected risks and crises we are facing. Investing in prevention and resilience within agrifood systems is not only cost-effective – it is essential to reducing long-term humanitarian needs, preserving development gains, and ensuring food security amid a shrinking humanitarian space. 

Events

The 8^th Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 (GPDRR2025) was held as an in-person event from 2 to 6 June in Geneva, Switzerland. Online engagement was also available for registered remote participants through a virtual conference platform as well as some sessions were live streamed. This global multi-stakeholder forum, convened by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and hosted by the Government of Switzerland, is an avenue to share knowledge and discuss the latest development and trends in reducing disaster risk, identify gaps and make recommendations to further accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The overall theme of the GPDRR2025 “Every Day counts, Act for Resilience Today”, embodies an urgency to course correct the trajectory of progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework goals, as articulated in the midterm review. FAO actively and prominently engaged in the Global Platform as it effectively underscored the critical role of agriculture and food systems in reducing disaster risks and impacts and strengthening resilience. Its continued support tocountries in the implementation of the Sendai Framework in agrifood systems was recognized and appreciated by member states and partners.

FAO maintained a strong presence throughout the event, as it secured four speaking roles across GPDRR2025 official sessions and (co)organized three Learning Lab events, including leading a dedicated session on Intergovernmental Organizations’ Cooperation on Anticipatory Action (AA). FAO contributed to support the organization of the CADRI Briefing with Members and Donors, the Launch of the Hazard Information Profile Phase II, and co-led a session under the Early Warnings for All’s Multi-Stakeholder Forum. FAO also convened 16 bilateral meetings with donors, member countries, and UN partners (UNDRR), advancing dialogue and collaboration on disaster risk reduction, anticipatory action and climate action. In terms of social media coverage, 18 tweets were produced and widely disseminated, amplifying FAO’s key messages and visibility throughout the event.

Highlight of FAO engagement at the 8^th GPDRR 2025

• Thematic session 1-2: From data to action: Strengthening the understanding of disaster impact data and its application in decision-making: Key messages conveyed by Ms Beth Bechdol, FAO Deputy Director-General and Dr Fleur Wouterse, Deputy Director, Office of Emergency and Resilience, were impactful, highlighting the vulnerability of agriculture to disaster impacts while also calling for member countries and partners to scale up action and investment in improving data and analysis to inform decision making and build resilient agrifood system. Watch the session here to find out more.

• Multistakeholder Plenary 3: Investments in reducing risk and building resilience to accelerate progress in sustainable development: Statement delivered by Mr Dominique Burgeon, FAO Director Liason Office in Geneva and Head of FAO Delegation at the GPDRR reflected the urgency to increase investment in agriculture and food security if we are to end hunger and leave no one behind.

• Special event 2: Extreme heat risk governance. FAO conveyed an appealing message by highlighting the vulnerability of agriculture, rural livelihoods, and food systems to heat stress, which can cause crop failures, livestock deaths, and food insecurity. Watch session here to find out more.

• Special session 1: Comprehensive approaches to reduce Loss & damage: Bridging climate action and disaster risk reduction. FAO delivered an impactful intervention on the urgent need to invest in agrifood systems. Mr Dominique Burgeon of FAO highlighted the brunt of disaster and climate change impact on smallholders and agrifood systems; the rise of hunger and disasters are closely linked and underscored the much needed investment in agrifood systems and called for a dedicated funding window (from FRLD) for farmers. Watch session here to find out more.