“When we were preparing for Yokohama I had the feeling that the main challenge was to convince people that disaster risk reduction is not simply a matter of science and technology. The fundamental message that came out of Yokohama was that all development planning needs to take account of disaster risk,” she said.

At UNDRR Kirsi has advocated tirelessly for an inclusive approach to disaster risk reduction.

“Joining UNDRR was a real pleasure just after the Sendai Framework was fully adopted knowing that we had just a few years left to 2030. I think there is now a very strong commitment and the realization is growing of how important it is to invest in disaster risk reduction especially with the impact of climate change and the growing number of extreme weather events,” she said.

Creating space for stakeholders to act has been key to UNDRR’s partnership strategy over the last three years.

“It is not that UNDRR itself is doing things but it is convening and providing the space and opportunity for actors and stakeholders to commit to make a change and actually make that change. It’s a growing alliance which includes the private sector, local governments, persons living with disabilities, the academic and scientific communities alongside many civil society organizations representing youth, women and others.

“It is critically important that we have the Sendai Framework to rally us around the same goals and the values that we stand for at this important point in history.   I believe that the UN system needs to make sure we are doing our best, that we are effective and efficient and show results and impact.”

Kirsi concluded: “I will miss Geneva and miss the colleagues but it’s good to take up a new challenge. I am really looking forward to making a difference for children and young people in the world. The very first DRR measure is that children and communities are healthy and protected.”

Date:

5 Dec 2019

Sources:

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)