2011 International day for disaster reduction

Every year on October 13th, countries around the world commemorate the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR). The date has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness, commitment and actions to reduce the loss of human lives and property due to disasters. The IDDR is part of the biennial World Disaster Reduction Campaign.

Since 2006, the IDDR has been observed jointly with the ASEAN Day for Disaster Management (ADDM) through partnership between the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM), the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and UNESCAP. Prior to the event, ACDM also organizes awareness raising, activities and events pertinent to disaster risk management in ASEAN Member States. In 2008, ACDM organized for the first time the ASEAN Regional Drawing Competition that has become an annual activity in ASEAN. In 2010, countries from South Asia and the Pacific started to join the Regional Drawing Competition. Awarding the winners of the Regional Drawing Competition is part of the IDDR and ADDM commemoration. In 2010, South Asian countries also joined the IDDR, making it a truly regional event for Asia.

The 2011 IDDR and ADDM will continue this well established practice. The Regional Drawing Competition was launched in ASEAN and also South Asia Association of Countries (SAARC) in June. Learning from experiences, ACDM has decided that the first prize winners at national level from all Member States should be invited to attend the regional activities, namely the commemoration of IDDR and ADDM, planned for October 13th in Bangkok, Thailand. This note lays out the objectives of the Day and its indicative programme of activities.

Objectives of IDDR and ADDM 2011

The 2011 International Day for Disaster Reduction and ASEAN Day for Disaster Management will elaborate a strong message that committing resources and actions for disaster risk reduction is an investment for a better future, especially of young generations. It aims to:

- Increase the level of awareness of the people in Southeast and South Asia on disaster risk reduction;
- Raise awareness of the needs and concerns of children in disaster risk reduction and have their voices heard
- Continue promoting ASEAN’s efforts and increase the visibility of ASEAN on disaster risk reduction to the general public at all levels and;
- Enhance cooperation and collaboration among concerned parties and across sub-regions for stronger commitments and actions for disaster risk reduction in Asia.

Programme of Activities

The IDDR and ADDM will be commemorated in a public venue in Bangkok, Thailand and will comprise of:

- The official ceremony in the morning, highlighted by a Children and Policy Makers Dialogue on DRR
- A roundtable discussion by policy makers and technical experts from the region on a critical issue in DRR in Asia and the Pacific.
- An exhibition of drawings from the Regional Drawing Competition throughout the Day. In addition to regional winning drawings, ASEAN Member States will be able to present nationally winning drawings and other materials demonstrating disaster management activities in the country. Other organizations will also be invited to exhibit relevant disaster risk reduction materials.

Tentative Agenda

MORNING: Commemoration of IDDR and ADDM and Award of Regional Drawing Competition

08.30 – 09.00 Registration
09.00 – 10.00 Introduction & Remarks by Thailand Government, UNESCAP, ASEAN, SAARC and a Mayor representing participating cities in the “Making Cities Resilient” campaign or a school/hospital
10.00 – 10.30 Coffee break and tour of the exhibition
10.30 – 11.30 Children and Policy Makers Roundtable Discussion “Save My Future – Investing Today for a Safer Tomorrow”
11.30 – 11.50 Presentation of Award to Winners of the Regional Drawing Competition
11.50 – 12.00 Closing remarks by UNISDR
12.00 – 13.30 Lunch

AFTERNOON: In parallel 1) Roundtable discussion and 2) Children group activities

1. Roundtable discussion

Option 1: A Roundtable on promoting local actions for DRR, drawing on the “Making Cities Resilient” Campaign and “One Million Safe Schools and Hospitals” Initiative
Option 2: Discussion on the implementation of the ASEAN-UN Strategic Plan for DRM

2. Children group activities to commemorate IDDR and ADDM