UNISDR side event at ECOSOC 2009

Objectives of the side event: The side event will brief on the outcomes of the Second Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in June 2009. It will build on the Chair’s Summary of the Global Platform and highlight the lessons, findings and recommendations from global and regional reports and the conclusions from the five high-level panels, each of which is being represented by the Panelists.

The past months have seen some important developments in the disaster risk reduction arena. The recently released 2009 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction ‘Risk and Poverty in a Changing Climate’ demonstrates how, why and where disaster risk is increasing globally.

The Report also reviews countries’ progress in achieving the goals of Hyogo Framework for Action, and calls for a renewed national and international commitment to invest for disaster risk reduction. Furthermore, it shows how development is at increasing risk from disasters, particularly in the present context, as climate change, declining ecosystems and increasing poverty seriously challenge progress towards improving social welfare and economic sustainability in many developing countries.

The Global Platform also discussed the progress made in the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action and initiated the mid-term review process.

Agenda:
1:15-1:30 Welcome and introduction to the outcomes of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction by ASG Margareta Wahlström.

1:30-2:20 Panel discussion on the recommendations of the Global Platform and urgent action required to reduce disaster risks.
Panelists:
- Progress and challenges in financing Disaster Risk Reduction: Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha, GFDRR, World Bank.
- Reducing disaster risk in a changing climate:
Mr. Johan Schaar, Director, Commission on Climate Change and Development, Sweden
- Enabling community-led resilience through preventive action: Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, President of MERCY Malaysia
- DRR for Sustainable Development, Regional perspective on environmental aspects and infrastructure resilience:
Ms. Fatma Al-Mallah, Director of Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, League of Arab States
- Building back better: disaster risk reduction and the recovery opportunity: Mr. Jordan Ryan, BCPR/UNDP

2:20-2:40 Discussion

2:40-2:45 Closing remarks