Daniel Tsegai - Programme Officer, UNCCD

In a discussion about drought, Daniel Tsegai emphasizes the need to treat drought as a continuous risk rather than a one-off crisis1. He highlights the increasing frequency, intensity, and global nature of droughts, urging countries to shift from reactive to proactive strategies. Tsegai advocates for a three-pillar approach: monitoring and early warning, vulnerability assessment, and risk mitigation measures. He stresses the importance of changing mindsets and adopting a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. The discussion also touches on the financial investment needed, estimated at one billion dollars a day, and the economic benefits of investing in drought resilience. Tsegai mentions the interconnectedness of drought with other sectors and the need for global cooperation. He expresses optimism due to increased awareness and the formation of international alliances like the International Drought Resilience Alliance. The World Drought Atlas is introduced as a tool to visualize the systemic impact of drought globally.