New York, September 25 (AseanAll) — Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro, representing the Philippines as Chair of ASEAN, delivered the welcome remarks at the UNGA 81 side event, “Delivering the Sendai Framework: An ASEAN Approach to Inclusive Disaster and Climate Resilience” on 24 September 2026 in New York.
Co-organized by Thailand and the Philippines, the event convened international experts to discuss accelerating the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by sharing ASEAN’s regional practices.
Lazaro, guided by the Philippine Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” emphasized ASEAN’s commitment to a people-centered approach that protects communities most vulnerable to climate hazards.
She underscored that reducing disaster risk is closely linked to sustaining development as major disasters can reverse gains in health, education, livelihoods, infrastructure and poverty reduction.
As the deadline for the Sendai Framework 2015–2030 approaches, Lazaro called on ASEAN Member States, the UN, and international partners to focus on practical implementation, and to measure success by whether risk is reduced in practice.
“As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines will continue to support practical cooperation that strengthens the ability of our Member States and communities to prepare for and respond to disasters,” Lazaro pledged.
