Head of UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction to visit Finland

Assistant Secretary-General Kamal Kishore, the Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), will visit Finland from 27 to 28 January 2025.

The UNDDR works to improve preparedness for disasters worldwide, especially in developing countries. It also coordinates the Early Warnings for All initiative, launched by the United Nations Secretary-General.

Finland has for years supported developing countries’ disaster preparedness as part of development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

In recent years, disasters related especially to climate change and extreme weather events have increased, yet the number of associated deaths is on the decline because of better preparedness and early warning systems. At the same time, the economic losses caused by disasters have significantly increased.

In 2023, weather and climate-related disasters forced more than 20 million people to leave their homes, at least temporarily.

Finland actively participates in UN cooperation and can offer solutions for reducing disaster risks. Finland’s comprehensive approach and cooperation between various societal actors provide a good example. Finland’s development cooperation in the field of early warning systems and meteorology is among the world’s best.

During his visit, Kishore will meet Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Ville Tavio and hear about Finland’s national preparedness and concept of comprehensive security. Kishore will also meet a large group of experts, including business representatives and representatives of Finland’s national Sendai network, and learn about Finnish meteorological expertise.