G20 Working Group Action areas
The G20 DRR Working Group focuses on six high-impact priorities: 1) Addressing Inequality and Reducing Vulnerabilities, 2) Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems, 3) Disaster and Climate Resilient Infrastructure, 4) Financing Frameworks for DRR, 5) Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, and 6) Nature-Based Solutions and Ecosystem-Based Approaches for DRR.
Deliverables are updated under each G20 Presidency and are designed to address the calls to action in the Political Declaration of the UNGA High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework.
Priority 1
Priority 1: Addressing Inequalities and Reducing Vulnerabilities
To address inequalities in disaster risk, the G20 DRR WG is committed to promoting inclusive, community-driven strategies that prioritize vulnerable populations. By fostering international cooperation and sharing best practices, it aims to support sustainable development initiatives that reduce poverty and empower marginalized groups, including Indigenous Peoples, women, and youth. The WG also emphasizes gender-responsive and disability-inclusive policies, advocating for equitable investment in resilience-building. Through these actions, the G20 DRR WG seeks to tackle the root causes of disaster vulnerability and ensure recovery efforts that leave no one behind.
During the Brazilian Presidency in 2024, the G20 DRR WG has prioritized tackling the socio-economic disparities that exacerbate the impacts of disasters, especially on marginalised communities.
Risk transfer instruments can address inequalities in DRR by providing financial protection for vulnerable communities, helping them recover quickly and reduce long-term economic impacts. Microinsurance products, designed for low-income households, small-scale farmers, and informal workers, offer affordable coverage and can support essential recovery needs. Inclusive insurance models, like parametric insurance, provide timely relief based on specific disaster triggers, allowing for swift payouts without lengthy claims. By covering those most at risk, inclusive insurance enhances resilience, reduces economic disparities, and fosters a more equitable approach to disaster recovery. However, for the most vulnerable populations, disaster risk transfer instruments are not accessible and/or affordable and need to be urgently addressed.
Deliverables - South Africa (2025)
Develop a compendium of risk transfer solutions that can support vulnerable communities to access much-needed cash liquidity quickly in both pre- and post-disaster scenarios. (UNCDF, UNDRR, UNU, ARC, ICMIF, Insurance Institute of South Africa, Ministry of Finance of South Africa).
Deliverables - Brazil (2024)
G20 Compendium of Community Based Approaches to Disaster Risk Reduction
Priority 2
Priority 2: Global Coverage of Early Warning Systems
The G20 has prioritized global EWS under the "Early Warnings for All" initiative, led by the United Nations Secretary-General, with the ambitious goal of protecting every person on Earth through a multi-hazard EWS by 2027. These systems are essential for providing timely, actionable alerts that enable communities, especially the most vulnerable, to take preventive measures.
Recognizing their critical value, the G20 is committed to enhancing investments in research, development, and data sharing to strengthen global early warning infrastructure, ultimately aiming to reduce disaster impacts and protect lives and livelihoods. Universal accessibility is central to this vision, ensuring timely and relevant information reaches all populations.
Cellular broadcasting emerges as a scalable solution, delivering real-time alerts directly to mobile devices without needing internet access, making it especially effective in rural and remote areas. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including achieving interoperability across various mobile networks and devices, addressing regulatory and funding constraints, and ensuring full geographic coverage.
Deliverables - South Africa (2025)
Develop an input paper on the progress, barriers, and enabling mechanisms to deliver Cellular Broadcasting as a scalable solution for last mile delivery of EWS (ITU, UNDRR, Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa, South African Weather Service (SAWS)).
Deliverables - Brazil (2024)
G20 White Paper Leveraging Existing Platforms for Knowledge Sharing on EWS
Deliverables - India (2023)
Compendium of Good Practices on Multi-hazard Early Warning Cooperation
Input Paper on Early Warnings for All in Asia and the Pacific: Opportunities for action
Priority 3
Priority 3: Disaster and Climate Resilient Infrastructure
Disaster-resilient infrastructure is integral to global resilience efforts, aligning with Target D of the Sendai Framework, which aims to significantly reduce damage to critical infrastructure and disruptions to essential services by 2030. As countries prioritize resilient infrastructure for sustainable and inclusive development, there is a growing emphasis on building systems that can withstand extreme weather events, including the increasing threat of extreme heat. This focus supports the United Nations Secretary-General's Call to Action on Extreme Heat, urging nations to protect vulnerable populations and adapt infrastructure to rising temperatures.
Extreme heat presents specific challenges to housing, which can become unsafe and uninhabitable, especially in densely populated and underserved areas. To address these impacts, it is essential to explore technologies that enhance the thermal performance of housing, such as materials that reflect heat or promote passive cooling. Learning from traditional housing designs, which often incorporate natural cooling techniques suited to local climates, can offer valuable insights for building resilient, heat-resistant homes. This blend of innovation and traditional wisdom is crucial for creating sustainable housing solutions that protect communities and support their health and safety amidst rising temperatures.
Deliverables - South Africa (2025)
Develop a compendium of case studies highlighting flood-resistant housing and cyclone-proof facilities that incorporate climate-resilient design principles (CDRI, UN Habitat, National Department of Human Settlement of South Africa and Housing Development Agency of South Africa).
Develop a compendium of case studies showcasing traditional housing designs, which incorporate natural cooling techniques suited to local climates (SEEDs, Periperi U, National Department of Human Settlement of South Africa and Housing Development Agency of South Africa).
Deliverables - Brazil (2024)
G20 Compendium of Good Practices on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
Deliverables - India (2023)
Compendium of Good Practices on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
White Paper on Pathways for Global Infrastructure Resilience
Priority 4
Priority 4: Financing Frameworks for Disaster Risk Reduction
Financing DRR involves mobilizing resources across public and private sectors to support resilience and minimize disaster impacts, especially in vulnerable regions. Key mechanisms include domestic financing, private sector investment, and multilateral support from development banks, which play a crucial role in providing both financial resources and technical expertise. The G20 DRR WG has highlighted the importance of creating inclusive, locally-led financing strategies to address inequalities and support comprehensive recovery, especially in developing countries and vulnerable areas. Such initiatives aim to ensure that resources reach communities most impacted by disasters, fostering resilience and protecting development gains globally.
The G20 DRR WG has invited the DRR WG Knowledge Partners to develop voluntary high-level principles that align with Priority 3 of the Sendai Framework, focusing on "Investing in DRR for Resilience." By establishing these guiding principles, the G20 DRR WG aims to integrate DRR more fully into national agendas, advancing global progress in risk reduction and enhancing adaptive capacities across member states.
Deliverables - South Africa (2025)
Consulted draft high-level principles for financing in DRR for consideration by the DRR Working Group (UNDRR with the engagement of WB, CDP, CAF, AfDB, ADB, IDB, UNDESA, G20 Sustainable Finance WG, Investors Advisory Board, South Africa Reserve Bank and Ministry of Finance of South Africa).
Deliverables - Brazil (2024)
G20 Financing Options for Resilient Solutions
Resilience Expenditure Landscape
Anticipatory finance: An introductory guide
Guide for adaptation and resilience finance
Integrated National Financing Framework (INFFs) for disaster risk reduction
Deliverables - India (2023)
Priority 5
Priority 5: Disaster Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
In disaster recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction, the G20 prioritizes rebuilding in a way that increases resilience and addresses inequalities. Many countries face the challenge of restoring not only physical infrastructure but also social systems and economies impacted by disasters. By integrating DRR measures into these phases, the aim is to “build back better,” ensuring that communities are more prepared for future events. This approach emphasizes localized planning and community engagement to tailor responses effectively, drawing on lessons learned and evidence-based solutions.
The G20 DRR WG advocates for accessible, inclusive, and sustainable recovery efforts, underscoring the need to support vulnerable populations through adaptive social protection and equitable financial strategies. Regular recovery readiness assessments are essential for achieving sustainable post-disaster outcomes, ensuring that recovery mechanisms are continuously improved to meet emerging risks and challenges.
Deliverables - South Africa (2025)
Develop a consulted and piloted Recovery Readiness Assessment Framework for consideration by the Working Group (International Recovery Platform with partners (UNDP, UNEP, UNESCO, WB, UNOPS, WHO, WFP, FAO, ADPC, CUDRR) and NDMC of South Africa)
Deliverables - Brazil (2024)
G20 Delivering Inclusive and Resilient Recovery
Deliverables - India (2023)
Compendium of Case Studies on Shock Responsive Social Protection
Input Paper on Building Back Better Practice Review and Knowledge: Building for frontier issues
Priority 6
Priority 6: Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystems-based Approaches for Disaster Risk Reduction
Ecosystem-Based Approaches (EBA) and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) offer sustainable pathways for DRR by leveraging natural ecosystems to mitigate hazards and build resilience. Recognizing this, the G20 DRR WG emphasizes the role of NbS in climate adaptation and land-use planning. By restoring ecosystems like wetlands, forests, and mangroves, countries can enhance environmental resilience, reducing the impact of disasters such as floods, droughts, and landslides.
These natural buffers serve as protective barriers, absorbing excess water, stabilizing soils, and regulating microclimates, thereby protecting vulnerable communities. Incorporating NbS into DRR strategies can also address social and economic inequalities, as these approaches often provide multiple co-benefits, including biodiversity conservation, enhanced local livelihoods, and support for sustainable development.
Yet scaling up EBA and NbS for DRR faces challenges such as limited funding, insufficient technical expertise, and competing land-use priorities. These approaches require sustained investments and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, while also needing policy support and cross-sectoral collaboration to effectively integrate into national and local disaster strategies.
Deliverables - South Africa (2025)
Compendium of case studies and analysis of policies that incentivize investment in NbS, such as subsidies, tax benefits, and climate finance integration, which encourage both public and private sector engagement (UNESCO with the engagement of UNDRR, CDRI, AfDB, WB, UNEP, Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment of South Africa).
Deliverables - Brazil (2024)
G20 Compendium of Good Practices for NBS & EBS Volume 1
G20 Compendium of Good Practices for NBS & EBS Volume 2
Deliverables - India (2023)
Working Paper on Increasing the Application of Ecosystem-Based Approaches to DRR