Kamal Kishore commenced his tenure as the Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction under UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on May 20, marking a significant development in global disaster preparedness efforts. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) formally announced Kishore’s appointment, succeeding Mami Mizutori of Japan. This transition was officially declared by Guterres on March 27, highlighting Kishore’s role as Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction.
In assuming his new position, Kishore underscored the pivotal role of UNDRR in coordinating worldwide initiatives aimed at mitigating disaster risks amidst growing vulnerabilities. He expressed eagerness to build upon the groundwork already laid, emphasizing the alignment of UNDRR’s aspirations with the magnitude of the challenges ahead. Additionally, Kishore commended Mizutori’s leadership and acknowledged the interim stewardship of Paola Albrito, the Acting SRSG, prior to his appointment.
Kamal Kishore brings extensive experience spanning nearly three decades across various spheres of disaster risk reduction, encompassing governmental, UN, and civil society realms. His tenure as the Head of India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) since 2015, coupled with leadership roles in global platforms like the Group of 20 (G20) Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction, underscores his deep-rooted expertise in the field. Prior engagements with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre further enriched his portfolio, including advocacy for integrating disaster resilience into Sustainable Development Goals and spearheading post-earthquake reconstruction initiatives.
In summary, Kamal Kishore’s appointment heralds a new phase in global disaster risk reduction efforts, leveraging his wealth of experience and leadership to advance UNDRR’s mandate in addressing the increasingly complex challenges posed by natural disasters.
