Chaired by Velenkosini Hlabisa, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the meeting will analyze the urgent need to strengthen coastal defenses against sea level rise, storm surges, and erosion.

Aligned with South Africa’s G20 presidential objectives, the event will promote disaster risk reduction strategies that integrate climate-risk-informed urban planning and adaptation, emphasizing infrastructure investments, nature-based solutions, and resilience inclusion.

The meeting aims at establishing a global consensus on coastal resilience, formulate recommendations for the G20 Ministerial Declaration on risk reduction, and strengthen international cooperation through partnerships, joint research, and innovative financing.

Local risk reduction initiatives, volunteer programs, and community actions will be showcased with the participation of the Cape Town Disaster Management Volunteer Corps, NGOs, the private sector, the National Sea Rescue Institute, the South African Meteorological Service, and community forums, among others.

With this activity, South Africa seeks to consolidate its role as a regional leader in promoting practical solutions to climate challenges under its G20 presidency.

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