The private sector needs to be more proactive in addressing disaster risk
Disasters endanger the people of any country as well as the private sector. The coping strategy requires coordination and collaboration between Disaster risk reduction (DRR) and development partners, academics, and the private sector. Patriot Emergency Response Team (PERT) should form in the private sector.
These were the speakers’ words at a seminar on ‘Private Sector Participation in Disaster Risk Management.’ The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Strengthening Urban Public-Private Programming for Earthquake Resilience Project organized a seminar at a hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Speakers at the seminar said the DCCI has set up the first Emergency Operations Center in South Asia for disaster risk management.
Since June 2020, DCCI has worked with non-governmental organizations ActionAid, United Purpose Bangladesh, and World Vision Bangladesh. The project funds by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
Md. Enamur Rahman, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Bangladesh, said, “It is essential for us to acquire expertise in disaster risk management to make domestic investment more secure and encouraging.”
His ministry had set up a state-of-the-art National Emergency Operations Center with the concerned agencies. Through which database will prepare, and necessary assistance will provide for risk management.
Allen L. Deneiga, Ambassador of the Philippines, was present on occasion. He said, “The private sector representatives of Bangladesh and the Philippines need to take the joint initiative to acquire risk management skills.”
He called upon the youth to be involved in this program. Farah Kabir, Country Director of ActionAid, emphasized the importance of their active participation in expanding their risk management skills in the private sector’s interest.
At the time, Rizwan Rahman, President of DCCI, said, “Traders get affected by fires at different times. That is why the private sector needs to encourage to take up disaster management.” He demanded that government policy should formulate with this funding.
Among others who spoke at the seminar was Anna Orlandini, Head of ECHO, Bangladesh. She emphasized integrating the private sector into disaster risk management to ensure a sustainable future.
