Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh discussed with Hiroshi Takabayashi, Director of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) office in Syria, enhancing cooperation in sustainable urban planning and the development of urban databases to reduce disaster risks.
During the meeting, al-Saleh emphasized the importance of building a comprehensive early warning system and applying security and safety standards to urban projects. He stressed the need to develop a national risk matrix based on accurate geographical studies to help protect lives and property, while enhancing cities’ resilience.
Takabayashi assured UN-Habitat’s commitment to supporting the Syrian government’s efforts in developing sustainable urban planning and enhancing the national institute’s ability to manage urban risks. He added that the Programme will support the establishment of accurate databases to reduce the effects of disasters and provide a safe environment for the population.
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme is a strategic partner in supporting national recovery plans by providing technical expertise and strengthening local capacities in urban risk management.
