RC Remarks/Key Message for the Conference on Incorporating Drones and Robotics into Disaster Management and Humanitarian Aid

Greetings from the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office in South Africa,

Molweni, to the distinguished guests representing government departments; Ministry of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, and National Disaster Management Centre.

And to the private sector, academia, civil society, as well as disaster management and climate change professionals.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for inviting me to this second installment of incorporating drones and robotics in disaster management. Regrettably I was not able to attend in person.

Over the last few years, the world has experienced an unprecedented frequency and intensity in climate related disasters and humanitarian situations.

These have resulted in losses of lives and in enormous economic, social and biodiversity losses.  These have led to a regressive trend on development achievements, impeding the progress towards several SDGs.

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, launched in 2022 the “Early Warning for All” initiative “to ensure that everyone on earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027”. It is aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Paris Agreement, and underscores the importance of a rapid, effective and just response in assisting communities and mitigating socioeconomic impacts during disasters.

Along with the world, South Africa (and the subregion) has experienced its own devasting climate-related shocks. Thus, it is critical that we continue to work towards more innovative measures and tools to ensure effective early warning and anticipatory action, building resilience, and effective climate adaption and mitigation.  

Nearly two weeks ago, the UN in South Africa, in collaboration with the African Risk Capacity and the National Disaster Management Centre, we hosted a major roundtable discussion on Early Warning for Risk Reduction, with anticipatory action, community engagement and partnerships as the key takeaways from the discussion.

Today’s conference marks an opportunity to further leap and reflect on the integration of emerging technologies such as drones and robotics into disaster management and early warning systems.

Drone technology offers unique capabilities in providing real-time aerial mapping, easing rapid assessment of damages, aiding with search and rescue, and facilitating the immediate deployment of resources.

As vital communication tools, they bridge the infrastructural and digital divides which to date have hampered our ability to serve the poorest and hardest-to-reach communities.

With notable successes within the humanitarian context, emerging technologies are becoming increasingly imperative in preparing, managing, and mitigating efforts during disasters – from combating hunger, distributing water after a natural disaster, delivering medical supplies to remote areas, monitoring crops and charting disease outbreaks.

We are at the pinnacle moment for SA to strategize more, innovate and invest more into climate resilient infrastructure, emerging technologies and better warning systems that have the potential to leave no one behind.

The UN remains committed to supporting disaster risk reduction and sustainable development efforts in South Africa – for people and for planet.

The UN in South Africa is here to support the government of South Africa to build resilience to shocks, focusing on three vectors: social security expansion, climate action and strengthening of the country’s disaster management system through technological advancement.

With your knowledge, expertise and experience, I am certain we will have a rich discussion and be able to take it as an opportunity to forge collaboration going forward to find solutions for a safer and fairer South Africa.

Thank you.