MRC Co-hosts North Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025

Jointly organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in partnership with MRC and the Kulhudhuffushi City Council, the North Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2025 forum served as a vital platform to encourage and empower local councils to engage with key authorities, share experiences and insights, and shape strategies to integrate DRR and disaster preparedness within their communities.

In her opening remarks, MRC Secretary General highlighted the importance of such regional platforms as a space to exchange knowledge, share lessons learned, and strengthen collective approaches to building resilience. She emphasised that local councils play a pivotal role in disaster preparedness and response, and that fostering dialogue and collaboration through platforms like these is essential to build stronger, more connected communities that are better equipped to withstand and recover from future emergencies.

The platform brought together over 75 representatives from local councils across the Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu and Shaviyani atolls, including  local leaders, partners, and stakeholder as well as officials from response agencies and key partners to collaborate on building a safer and more resilient region.

Through a series of plenary sessions and panel discussions, participants explored holistic resilience building, disaster loss data reporting, and shared their firsthand experiences in emergency response. These conversations helped identify local challenges and highlight innovative approaches to strengthen community preparedness and response mechanisms. Insights from the forum will play a crucial role in shaping MRC’s programmatic approach to DRR across the southern region, as we continue working hand-in-hand with local authorities and partners to build safer, stronger communities.