Cyprus News Agency

President Silva emphasized that a new economic model must emerge from the G20, saying: “The G20 is a key actor in preparing a roadmap to move the world away from fossil fuels.”

Silva described strengthening disaster prevention and response capabilities as a “life-or-death issue,” adding:

“Early warning systems are not sufficient. The climate will test our bridges, highways, buildings, and transmission lines. Water management, food production, and energy generation will require more efficient methods. Thousands of people and businesses will be forced to seek safer areas to live and work.”

Silva noted that the ‘Voluntary Principles for Investment in Disaster Risk Reduction,’ approved under South Africa’s leadership, highlight the need for long-term financing, and added: “Building resilience is not a cost, but an investment. Every dollar invested in adaptation prevents four dollars in losses and brings other social and economic benefits. But a resilient world cannot be built based only on infrastructure.”