KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ADVOCATE EARLY WARNING, COMMUNITY-BASED DISASTER RISK REDUCTION, & COLLABORATIVE RESILIENCE BUILDING
LAHORE: The Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) of Pakistan organized a significant seminar titled ‘Climate Change & Emergencies’ in connection with International Disaster Risk Reduction Day, focusing on the pressing issues of climate change and emergencies. The seminar was organized by Sajid Ali Chadhar, Head of Emergency Relief & Disaster Management Program and Operations HHRD in collaboration with University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, here on Thursday at a local hotel.
In his opening remarks, Director of Programs Helping Hand USA, Irfan Khursheed said that since the 2005 earthquake, HHRD has started working in Pakistan and now after 18 years of rendering excellent services to vulnerable communities in the Areas of food, health, water, disability, skills development, livelihood and the orphanage has reached millions of beneficiaries in 119 District all over Pakistan.
Addressing the seminar, the Chief Guest President AJK Chaudhary Latif Akbar and keynote speakers emphasised that there is a need to focus on Preparedness and anticipatory actions with a people-centric approach. The Government and development sector should focus on Disaster Risk Financing for institutional Capacity building and inclusive Disaster Risk Management.
There is a need to implement laws and policies developed with regard to environment and climate change at gross root level. It’s only through preparedness that we can reduce the human and material losses resulting from disasters. It was also urged that Pakistan be among the least contributors of carbon emissions, which is less than one percent, and hence among the top affected countries. They emphasized the need for early warning systems, community-based disaster risk reduction, and collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and communities to enhance resilience.
On this occasion, the chief guest appreciated the HHRD efforts to unite Policy Advisors, Policy Makers, and Policy Implementers under one roof for constructive dialogue on the most important challenge of Climate Change being faced by the Nation.
Among the Guest Speakers were, Ilyas Hassan Chaudhary Director of Development HHUSA, Dr Ahmad Gul on inclusive Disaster Management, Dr Salaman Shehzad on Psychosocial Impacts of Natural Disasters, Dr Basharat on Climate Induces Hazards, Dr Farooq in Earthquakes and Mitigation Measures, Dr Saeed Qureshi on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, Shahid Kazmi on Disaster Risk Financing, Syed Khawar Ameer Bukhari on Climate and environment legislation. Amjid Mehmood Amjad Director Helping Hand Director HHRD Pakistan concluded the seminar with a commitment towards building awared and resilient community.
He urged youth to play their role in the development of a prosperous Nation. In the end, collective prayers were made before Allah SWT for victims of all disasters and protection in the future
