Host: Mr Bilal Anwar, CEO, National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), Government of Pakistan

Speakers/Guests:

1. Mr Raja Rehan Arshad, Former Lead Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Specialist, World Bank Group

2. Mr Mubahsir Hussain, Manager DRR and DRF, National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), Government of Pakistan

Key Recommendations:

• Pakistan needs to develop a comprehensive disaster risk financing strategy, focusing on both short-term and long-term actions, with an emphasis on reducing risk and creating financial resilience.
• Data collection and modelling efforts, including risk quality assessments, should be strengthened to inform risk management, preparedness, and response strategies.
• There is a need to encourage private sector involvement, particularly in the insurance industry, to share the burden of risk financing and contribute to resilience-building efforts.
• Risk-sensitive land use plans at national and provincial levels should be established to guide future investments and avoid placing infrastructure in high-risk areas.
• Finally, we must focus on creating awareness and understanding of risk reduction strategies among the public, promoting community preparedness, and considering the role of insurance as a tool for risk transfer.