The eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2025) was held from June 2 to 6, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to advance collective strategies for reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience. Sri Lanka was represented by a national delegation led by Major General (Retd) Sampath Kotuwegoda, Director General of the Disaster Management Centre.

The overarching theme of GP2025, “Prioritizing gender equality, accessibility, and inclusion to leave no one behind”, was emphasized throughout all segments of the event — from preparatory meetings and high-level plenaries to learning labs and side events. The platform underscored that while disasters impact all communities, their effects are disproportionately borne by vulnerable populations, including women, persons with disabilities, older persons, and marginalized groups.

GP2025 placed inclusion at the heart of resilience-building and reaffirmed that effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies must address the diverse and evolving needs of all sectors of society. The sessions highlighted the importance of inclusive policy frameworks, community engagement, and adaptive systems that ensure equitable participation in prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

Sri Lanka’s active engagement at GP2025 reinforced the country's commitment to aligning with global DRR frameworks, particularly the Sendai Framework, and to ensuring that no one is left behind in building a safer, more resilient future for all.