UNDRR News

Fast-paced developments in technology have the potential to help the world rein in the impact of natural and human-induced hazards, notably when it comes to tackling urban risk.

Singapore and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) have renewed their partnership to strengthen the disaster risk management capacity of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other developing countries that are vulnerable to natural disasters and are on the front line of climate change.

Disasters present a whole host of risks for children, from threats to their health, psychosocial well-being, protection and nutrition, to disruption of education, all with potentially long-lasting consequences. However, students of all ages can participate effectively in school and community safety measures and work with teachers and other adults to minimize risk before, during and after disasters.

Curbing deaths from disasters requires local authorities and other community partners to raise their capacity to manage risks and thereby ensure safe and sustainable development for their citizens. In Mongolia, the government has committed not only to national action but also to fostering cities’ capacity.

Reducing the risks posed by natural and man-made hazards will be critical to keep cities around the globe on a sustainable development track, according to delegates preparing the way for the UN’s Habitat III conference on urbanization.

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction has signed a five-year, US$10 million agreement with the Ministry of Public Safety and Security and Incheon Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea to support education and training for disaster risk reduction.

The child-friendly version of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is to be translated into Korean following a meeting of children and youth supported by the city of Incheon with the participation of UNISDR.

One hundred and fifty-six Korean municipalities have agreed to promote city-to-city learning to strengthen implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

This year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction highlighted the power of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge to protect people and communities, and the issue has been in the foreground at a conference of more than 3,000 officials and experts in fire risk management.

Korea’s advance towards a national integrated public-safety communications network is being heralded as an example of how disaster risk reduction represents a major business opportunity.