Opening remarks at the International Drought Resilience Alliance launch

Excellencies, dear colleagues and friends,

Drought is a global challenge, which no nation can solve on its own.

Because of climate change, drought is becoming more frequent and longer lasting, with devastating impacts on all sectors of society, from agriculture and energy to transportation and tourism.

An estimated 55 million people are directly affected by drought every year, putting the well-being of current and future generations at unacceptable risk.

It is my privilege, and I am delighted to welcome all of you to the launch of the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA).

The Alliance will catalyze momentum and mobilize resources for targeted actions to enhance drought resilience – thus shifting the focus from crises management to drought preparedness.

Countries are joining forces to send a strong political signal that global partnerships can transform actions and mindsets to enhance drought resilience and reduce unnecessary suffering.

I would like to start by thanking His Excellency Mr. Pedro Sanchez, President of Spain, and His Excellency Mr. Macky Sall, President of Senegal for their leadership, commitment, and efforts to make the International Drought Resilience Alliance a reality.  

Excellencies,  

We are in a race for drought resilience —and it’s a race we can win.

Drought is a natural hazard but does not have to lead to human disaster.

The solutions are available, and we can create a drought resilient world by increasing our ambition, harnessing the political will, and joining forces to act together.

I would now like to invite His Excellency Mr. Pedro Sanchez, President of Spain to give his opening remarks

Thank you, Mr. President,

I would now like to invite His Excellency Mr. Macky Sall, President of Senegal to give his opening remarks.

Thank you, Mr. President