Participants at the Arab Science and Technology Action Group in Lebanon

By Ragy Saro

Beirut, 11 September 2018 – Scientists, academics, and disaster risk reduction experts from the Arab States have pledged to support their governments in developing national disaster risk reduction strategies based on scientific data and evidence.

The Arab Science and Technology Advisory group – a regional subgroup of UNISDR’s global Advisory group – put together a clear action plan to support the implementation of disaster risk reduction across the region in a move that is hoped to accelerate achievement of target “e” of the Sendai Framework, the global roadmap for reducing disaster loss.

“It’s time to enhance the role of science and technology for disaster risk reduction”, said Chadi Abdallah of the National Council for Scientific Research in Lebanon, host of the advisory group meeting where attendees made laid out their plans.

Mr. Chadi, who has been elected chair of the advisory group, along with Co-chair Najla Romdahne from Tunisia, both emphasized the need to move from theory to action.

“Through the Arab Science and Technology Advisory Group we can now systematically support and advise countries with innovative ways to implement the Sendai Framework and the Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2030” he added.