Additionally, delegates agreed on the need to simplify the language of disaster risk reduction to reach wider audiences.  The use of technical language was seen as an impediment to raising awareness about unconventional hazards, such as NATECH (Natural Hazard Triggering Technological Disasters), and a threat to quickly evacuating people in danger. “For early warnings to be effective, they must be communicated in a form and language that locals understand,” said Mr. Ali Reza Mazid, Joint Secretary of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief. 

Another recommendation was to proactively seek partnerships with new groups to solve specific implementation issues. These include partnerships with insurance companies for more accurate risk assessments; chambers of commerce to enhance private sector partnerships and business resilience; and partnerships with universities and schools of architecture to ensure a cadre of resiliency-trained architects. 

Other practical recommendations included the need for more knowledge products aimed at practitioners, better coordination, and greater insights into training opportunities around the region. These are all areas where UNISDR and partners are already engaged but scaled-up and accelerated action is needed to meet the growing demands in the region.  

Date:

14 Dec 2018

Sources:

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

Themes:

Capacity Development, Civil Society/NGOs, Advocacy & Media

Regions:

Asia