DEADLINE: 11th March 2018
Disaster risk reduction is the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters. Reducing exposure to hazards, lessening vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improving preparedness and early warning for adverse events are all examples of disaster risk reduction.
Additionally, it includes disciplines like disaster management, disaster mitigation and disaster preparedness, but DRR is also part of sustainable development. In order for development activities to be sustainable they must also reduce disaster risk. On the other hand, unsound development policies will increase disaster risk – and disaster losses. Thus, DRR involves every part of society and every part of government.
What is the Sendai Framework for DRR?
The Sendai Framework for DRR is the intergovernmentally negotiated global framework for DRR and is meant to inform for DRR policies at all levels between 2015-2030. It was adopted at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan, on March 18, 2015 outlines seven clear targets and four priorities for action to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks:
(i) Understanding disaster risk; (ii) Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk;
(iii) Investing in disaster reduction for resilience and;
(iv) Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
It aims to achieve the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods and health and in the economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries until 2030.
How does the UN MGCY Engage?
The Sendai Framework specifically recognizes young people as agents of change and seeks to build partnerships with them. UN MGCY is an official partner of the UNISDR, the primary facilitator for the engagement of young people in the work of UNISDR and the implementation of the Sendai Framework.
It is also the convener of the UNISDR Youth Engagement Platform (YEP) that coordinates and channels youth engagement in policy design, implementation, monitoring, and follow up & review in the areas of advocacy, capacity building, youth action and knowledge, in the UN as it relates to DRR.
It facilitates youth participation in the Global and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Platforms and their intersessional preparatory meetings. It also facilitates engagement in the UNISDR Science and Technology for DRR meetings, stakeholder meetings, and other technical, special, thematic or ad hoc initiatives.
Additional Information.
Do you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact either the UN MGCY Organising Partner (OP) at [email protected] or the current DRR WG GFPs at [email protected]
