International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction Observed

The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, participated today (Tuesday), October 13, 2026, in a ceremony observing the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
At the ceremony, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund first extended his condolences and expressed his sympathy once again to people around the world, particularly Afghan families, who have lost family members and suffered financial and economic losses as a result of natural disasters.
The Deputy PM for Economic Affairs stated that last year, Afghanistan suffered severe social and economic losses due to natural disasters and climate change, including earthquakes, seasonal floods, and droughts. In addition to damaging national infrastructure, these disasters caused significant loss of life and property among the population.
The Deputy PM added that Afghanistan has made no contribution to greenhouse gas emissions or global climate degradation. However, the country has continuously suffered the consequences of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, particularly those generated by major industrial and manufacturing countries. The Deputy PM stated: “It is entirely inconsistent with the principles of international climate justice that we should bear no responsibility for creating the problem, yet endure its severe and devastating consequences and pay the price for destruction caused by others.”
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund called on the international community, the United Nations, and all relevant climate-related organizations to ensure that the fight against climate change is not subjected to any political considerations. The Deputy PM stated that climate change harms everyone and that protecting the global climate is a shared responsibility of all countries, without exception, as all countries are affected by its consequences. Therefore, this shared responsibility requires collective cooperation.
The Deputy PM emphasized that, to reduce the damage caused by natural disasters and climate change, Afghanistan must have equitable access to international financial and technical assistance, and that such access is its right. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund urged the international community to provide practical assistance to Afghanistan in acquiring modern meteorological equipment, establishing early warning systems for disasters, obtaining advanced rescue equipment, and strengthening technical capacities.
The Deputy PM stated that the Islamic Emirate has made considerable efforts to construct standardized buildings resilient to natural disasters, build standard retaining walls for water control, and protect and restore forests. He added that these efforts would continue consistently.
At the conclusion, Deputy PM Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund expressed his gratitude to the Afghanistan Disaster Management Authority, international humanitarian organizations, and Afghan businesspeople and investors for supporting affected families and assisting them in constructing shelters and providing essential supplies.