The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has announced that Qatar will host the Ninth Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) in 2028, marking a significant milestone for the Middle East region. The decision reflects Qatar’s growing leadership in climate resilience, disaster-risk governance, and sustainable development initiatives.
The GPDRR is the world’s most important multistakeholder forum for reviewing progress on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, bringing together governments, UN agencies, academics, civil-society organisations and the private sector. Hosting the 2028 edition positions Qatar at the centre of global discussions on preparedness, urban resilience, early-warning systems, and financing for disaster-risk reduction (DRR).
UNDRR highlighted Qatar’s investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, its commitment to early-warning capabilities, and its expanding role in regional humanitarian efforts as key factors behind the selection. The 2028 platform is expected to accelerate innovation and international cooperation in DRR, particularly for regions vulnerable to extreme weather, heat stress, and environmental degradation.
Qatar previously hosted major global dialogues, including COP18, and continues to strengthen its engagement in UN programmes focused on climate and resilience. The upcoming GPDRR will provide an essential platform to assess mid-term implementation of the Sendai Framework and shape global risk-reduction priorities for the post-2030 era.