“At this conference we will take stock of the progress achieved in implementing the Sendai Framework at the regional and national levels, as well as discuss and adopt the Action Plan for the Asia Region in 2018-2020 and the Ulaanbaatar Declaration on disaster risk reduction.”

In her keynote speech, the UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mitzutori, focused on inclusion and the importance of increasing the number of countries in the region with national and local strategies for disaster risk reduction by 2020, a key target of the Sendai Framework.

“Strong political leadership has meant that most countries have embraced the spirit of the Sendai Framework and are acting to put that spirit to work in meaningful ways that will translate into fewer lives torn apart by disaster losses and a deeper understanding of the actions which ordinary citizens can take to ensure their safety,” she said.

Ms. Mitzutori highlighted Inclusion as a major theme of the Sendai Framework. “Good governance equals good engagement with the public and all stakeholders because no government on its own can achieve the transformational change sought by those UN member states who drafted and adopted the Sendai Framework three years ago.

“We need to hear the voices of those who suffer disproportionately in disaster events. People living with disabilities, older persons, women, children and indigenous groups need to be consulted and engaged as agents of change in their own communities.”

She was pleased to note that stakeholder groups who represent their interests and can speak on their behalf are organising many of the sessions at this Conference which will set a new benchmark for inclusion at such regional events.

In a video message to the Conference, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, said: “Climate change, rapid and unplanned urbanization, and entrenched poverty are amplifying the impact of extreme weather events and earthquakes. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction sets targets for disaster prevention and reducing losses.

“I commend the Asia-Pacific region for fully embracing the Sendai Framework, and for your leadership on risk reduction. We must tackle disaster risks and leave a more resilient planet to future generations.”

Date:

3 Jul 2018

Sources:

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Asia and Pacific (UNISDR AP)

Countries:

Mongolia

Regions:

Asia, Oceania