The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), in collaboration with the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, and the European Union (EU) organised a Technical Workshop for “Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance in the IORA Region” from 13-17 October 2025, in Saint-Denis, Réunion Island. 

Representatives from IORA Member States, Dialogue Partner and International Organisations- Regional Intervention Platform for the Indian Ocean (PIROI), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), Expertise France and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) participated in the Workshop. Through panel discussions and presentations, participants addressed practical recommendations to strengthen governance focusing on institutional and legal frameworks for disaster risk management, anticipatory financing, early warning systems, and regional cooperation. 

The Workshop was of great importance as the Indian Ocean region faces increasing risks from cyclones, tsunamis, floods and earthquakes, exacerbated by climate change. The Workshop thus served as a vital platform for dialogue, enabling participants to identify gaps, share best practices, and promote resilience across the region, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Paris Agreement, and the Sustainable Development Goals.