Mami Mizutori, special representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), recently visited the Miraflores Visitors Center.

“The Panama Canal serves as an example for the region. It is a resilient organization, which meets all the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction,” said Mizutori.

The visit was part of a mission to Panama in March, during which, in addition to visiting the locks, Mizutori met with organizations and government leaders to evaluate and review current policies in terms of risk reduction, as well as progress towards resilience and a more equitable future in the region. He also led other meetings and activities with UN organizations.

Mizutori’s visit to Panama coincided with the creation of Panama’s Comprehensive Disaster Risk Management Cabinet, led by the Minister of Government, Janaina Tewaney. This cabinet will serve as a driver of national plans and programs aimed at disaster risk reduction, and an example of good governance for the region.

“I would like to reiterate and confirm UNDRR’s commitment to accompany the process and work of the cabinet, and the implementation of the roadmap, in particular with the national policy and the national strategic plan to 2030. We still have a long way to go in the region and in the world, but it fills me with hope to see firsthand what is happening in Panama, which is a clear contribution to the important task of building a better future together,” said Mizutori.