FIRST SESSION OF PREPARATORY COMMITTEE FOR THIRD UNITED NATIONS WORLD CONFERENCE ON DISASTER RISK REDUCTION OPENS IN GENEVA
The First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction opened this morning in Geneva, hearing addresses from the Permanent Representatives of Finland and Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva, elected as Co-chairs of the meeting, as well as the Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Disaster Risk Reduction, and Japan, as host of the Third World Conference.
Paivi Kairamo, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the First Session of the Preparatory Committee, said that this meeting marked the start of an important journey for the international community, and constituted an opportunity for discussing a new framework for addressing disasters. All countries were at risk of disaster. It was an issue that required the exercise of shared responsibility and had already benefited from cooperation from many countries. This meeting would provide an opportunity to exchange views with each other on what was necessary for this framework.
Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva, reiterated the importance of regional responsibilities and highlighted different regional meetings that had taken place in the lead up to this meeting. The meeting of the Preparatory Committee would consider the outcomes of the regional meetings and the World Conference would aim for the same standard of quality and integrity and building on ongoing efforts to ensure a framework for disaster risk reduction that was aspirational but also actionable.
Michael Møller, Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked all partners for supporting preparations for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, particularly Japan for hosting it, and Switzerland for hosting the meetings of the Preparatory Committee. They were here today to discuss how to create a safer, prosperous and resilient world. Disaster affected everyone. It was imperative to take action to limit the human impact and cost of disasters.
Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, said that almost a decade ago, the international community came together in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami. The Hyogo Framework for Action was the result of over 35 years of work, progress and learning achieved. Significant progress had been made and recorded, particularly in reducing loss of life due to disaster. On the other hand, disaster risks and economic, social and environmental losses were increasing.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Preparatory Committee elected its two Co-Chairs and its officers and adopted its provisional agenda. The Committee also approved a request by the Group on Earth Observations to participate as an observer in the meetings of the Working Group and the World Conference.
Ms. Wahlstrom updated the Committee on progress on organization of the World Conference and recalled that in December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly had decided that the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction would be held in Sendai, Japan, from 14 to 18 March 2015 and at the highest possible level, with the objectives, among others, to complete the assessment and review of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action and to identify modalities of cooperation based on commitments to implement a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.
Japan reiterated its appreciation for the full support and cooperation of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat in the organisation of the Third World Conference. Japan provided information on buildings that would be used throughout the World Conference in Sendai. The World Conference would be convened in a disaster-affected area. Japan had been focusing on reconstruction in a more resilient manner and addressing various counter-disaster measures, which it was hoped would be witnessed.
In the discussion that followed on considerations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, speakers noted that the Hyogo Framework had been instrumental in supporting global, regional and national efforts in disaster risk reduction. The focus of the new disaster risk reduction framework should be on the protection of life, health and well-being of persons when faced with disasters. Guiding principles leading to the Conference should include a differentiated approach to developed and developing countries. Monitoring concrete progress made meant having new indicators, both simple and comprehensive, that could be used at all levels and by many actors. Public/private cooperation should be an integral part of resource-mobilisation.
Speakers also noted that priority areas of the Hyogo Framework were a work in progress and its success should be a continuum rather than a departure from it. Its implementation had been uneven and this was a reflection of broad economic and institutional differences among countries and geographical regions. International cooperation and assistance should be one of the main pillars of the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.
Speaking in the discussion were Myanmar on behalf of the Association of South East Asian Nations, European Union, Costa Rica on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Egypt on behalf of the African Group, Ecuador, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland, Mexico, Philippines, Turkey, India, Russia, Brazil, Mozambique, China, Colombia, Senegal, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Thailand, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Nauru.
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe also took the floor, as did Business and Industry Major Group and World Farmers’ Organization.
The Preparatory Committee will resume its work this afternoon, at 2 p.m., to continue its discussion on considerations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.
Opening Statements
PAIVI KAIRAMO, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the First Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, speaking in opening remarks, said that this meeting marked the start of an important journey for the international community, and constituted an opportunity for discussing a new framework for addressing disasters. All countries were at risk of disaster, it was an issue that required the exercise of shared responsibility and had already benefited from cooperation from many countries. Substantive work was already available and common thinking and approaches had been developed by several stakeholders. The international community could now develop a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. This meeting would provide an opportunity to exchange views with each other on what was necessary for this framework. Disaster risk reduction was not a concern for governments alone and the Co-Chairs looked forward to hearing the contributions by regional groups.
THANI THONGPHAKDI, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the First Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, reiterated the importance of regional responsibilities and highlighted different regional meetings that had taken place in the lead up to this meeting. Mr. Thongphakdi said he had seen the commitment to mobilise action towards different measures for disaster risk reduction by different actors, including the roles of communities and the private sector, and underlined the need to increase partnership and capacity building. The meeting of the Preparatory Committee would consider the outcomes of the regional meetings and the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction would aim for the same standard of quality and integrity and build on ongoing efforts to ensure a framework for disaster risk reduction that was aspirational but also actionable.
MICHAEL MØLLER, Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, thanked all partners for supporting preparations for the World Conference, particularly Japan for hosting the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, and Switzerland for hosting the meetings of the Preparatory Committee. Ten years ago, in 2004, Geneva had hosted the Preparatory Committee meetings for the World Conference held in 2005, which adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action. They were here today to discuss how to create a safer, prosperous and resilient world. Disaster affected everyone. The combination of rapid urbanization and climate change had added the urgency. It was imperative to take action to limit the human impact and cost of disasters. There could be no doubt about the scale of the challenge and the scale of partnerships needed in working on disaster risk reduction. There needed to be a global vision, with local ownership.
MARGARETA WAHLSTROM, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, said that almost a decade ago, the international community came together in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami. The Hyogo Framework for Action was the result of over 35 years of work, progress and learning achieved. Significant progress had been made and recorded, particularly in reducing loss of life due to disaster. The Hyogo Framework for Action had been decisive in strengthening and guiding international cooperation efforts, in generating the political momentum necessary to ensure that disaster risk reduction was used as a foundation for a sound national and international development agenda, as well as providing a framework and language for critical action, to which Governments around the world had responded. On the other hand, disaster risks and economic, social and environmental losses were increasing. A lot had been learned about how disaster risk was generated, how it could be reduced and how creating new risk could be prevented. Since March 2011 consultations had been held engaging thousands of people. The fourth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction that took place in Geneva in May 2013, included 40 consultations alone. All together, there was much clearer guidance on many things, including focus on preventing new risks, reducing vulnerability, promoting inclusion and creating synergies across the three key post-2015 frameworks.
Organizational Work
PAIVI KAIRAMO, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the First Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, turned to the programme of work for the first meeting of the Preparatory Committee. In addition to plenary meetings, a number of workshops, with the participation of regional groups and committee members, would take place in parallel. It had been agreed that General Assembly rules would guide the proceedings of the Committee.
Ms. Kairamo also recalled that non-governmental organizations not accredited with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, whose work was relevant for disaster risk reductions, had been invited to request accreditation. A number of documents in this regard were before the Committee. In this regard, the Committee adopted the suggested arrangements for accreditation and participation of non-governmental organizations and other major groups in the world conference. The Preparatory Committee also adopted the list of accredited non-governmental organizations.
The Committee also approved a request by the Group on Earth Observations to participate as an observer in the meetings of the Working Group and the World Conference.
Update by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Statement by Japan
MARGARETA WAHLSTROM, Special Representative of the Secretary-General
for Disaster Risk Reduction, updating the Preparatory Committee on progress on the organization of the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (A/CONF.224/PC(I)/4), recalled that in December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly decided that the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction would be held in Sendai, Japan, from 14 to 18 March 2015 and at the highest possible level, with the following objectives: to complete the assessment and review of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; to consider the experience gained through the regional and national strategies, institutions and plans for disaster risk reduction and their recommendations as well as relevant regional agreements under the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action; to consider and adopt a concise, focused, forward-looking and action-oriented post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction; to identify modalities of cooperation based on commitments to implement a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction; and to determine modalities for periodic review of the implementation of a post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.
Japan reiterated its appreciation for the full support and cooperation of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat in the organization of the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Japan provided information on buildings that would be used throughout the World Conference in Sendai. The World Conference would be convened in a disaster-affected area. A number of study tours would also be organized during the Conference. Japan had been focusing on reconstruction in a more resilient manner and addressing various counter-disaster measures, which it was hoped would be witnessed. Japan looked forward to welcoming all in Sendai in 2015.
Documentation
The First Preparatory Committee has before it the following documents:
Compilation report on consultations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (A/CONF.224/PC(I)/5) [Ar][Ch][En][Fr][Ru]
Suggested elements for the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction (A/CONF.224/PC(I)/6) [Ar][Ch][En][Es][Fr][Ru]
Outcome of Fifth Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, 13-16 May 2014, Abuja, Nigeria (A/CONF.224/PC(I)/7) [Ar][En][Es][Ru]
Outcome of Fourth Session of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas, 27 to 29 May 2014, Guayaquil, Ecuador (A/CONF.224/PC(I)/8) [Ar][Ch][En][Es][Fr][Ru]
Outcome of Sixth Session of the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management, 2 to 4 June 2014, Suva, Fiji (A/CONF.224/PC(I)/9) [Ar][Ch][En][Es][Ru]
Considerations on the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Myanmar, speaking on behalf of the Association of South East Asian Nations, said the region was one of the most disaster-prone regions and disaster risk reduction was therefore close to its heart. Its goals and priorities were far from being attained and new challenges continued to emerge. Disasters had become one of the main threats to sustainable development on a global scale.
The European Union was strongly committed to risk management and vulnerability reduction as critical components of poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies and had recently revised its civil protection legislation with a very strong focus on preparedness and prevention. The Hyogo Framework had been instrumental in supporting global, regional and national efforts.
Costa Rica, speaking on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, said its region was the second most adversely affected by disasters around the world and that impact inhibited and many times delayed the development of its communities. The focus of the new disaster risk reduction framework should be on the protection of life, health and well-being of persons when faced with disasters.
Egypt, speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that Africa was one of the most vulnerable continents for disasters, particularly climate-related ones. The African Group highlighted the outcomes of the Fifth African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Nigeria, in May 2014. Guiding principles leading to the Conference should include a differentiated approach to developed and developing countries.
Ecuador said it had developed a national disaster risk reduction strategy, including the participation of key actors such as a decentralized autonomous government and the citizenry, strengthening the commitment made in the adoption of the Hyogo Framework. Monitoring concrete progress made meant having new indicators, both simple and comprehensive, that could be used at all levels and by many actors.
Japan stressed the importance of placing human security at the centre of disaster risk reduction and the special protection required by vulnerable groups; it was therefore necessary to ensure their voices were heard in the design of plans. The post-2015 development agenda should include an important disaster risk reduction perspective.
Sweden recalled that in recent years extreme weather and natural events had caused many disasters. Emphasising the need for a long-term and action-oriented framework, Sweden welcomed the Hyogo framework’s contribution to a common language for collaboration and exchanges on disaster risk reduction and exchanges among several stakeholders.
Switzerland said disaster risk reduction was a pillar of sustainable development and should be therefore integrated into the development framework. Achieving complementarity between humanitarian and development actors remained an important challenge.
Mexico said the Preparatory Committee should be committed to an open, transparent and constructive process. Prevention should be an important part of the new framework, in addition to clear competencies and responsibilities for actors concerned, and public investments.
Philippines supported the crafting of a more responsive and concrete post-2015 disaster risk reduction framework with emphasis on the central role of national governments. This framework should enhance risk governance, transparency and accountability; integrate risk reduction and management provisions in legal frameworks; and include migrants and vulnerable groups in resilient efforts.
India said that as they deliberated on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction it would be useful to remind themselves that priority areas of the Hyogo Framework were a work in progress and its success should be a continuum rather than a departure from it. Its implementation had been uneven and this was a reflection of broad economic and institutional differences among countries and geographical regions.
Turkey said that while discussing the Hyogo Framework for Action 2, mechanisms should be designed with a view to providing greater endorsement and wider implementation. Establishment of efficient, flexible and user-friendly measures should be considered which would in the end motivate its implementation at the local, national and regional levels.
Brazil said the drafting process of the framework for disaster risk reduction was in the context of the post-2015 development agenda and should build upon the Hyogo Framework for Action, as its strategic objectives had not yet been achieved by the majority of States, in particular developing countries. Priority for action and strategic objectives should address the roots of vulnerability.
Russia said natural disasters had a negative impact on all aspects of life in society and were a hindrance to sustainable development. Russia was in favour to a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction and the stepping up of international and national efforts in this regard.
Mozambique had been severely and systematically affected by natural disasters on many occasions. Indeed Africa at large had been hit by such extreme weather events, with challenging impacts on livelihoods of those who relied on agriculture for their survival. International cooperation and assistance should be one of the main pillars of the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.
China proposed incorporating disaster risk reduction in the post-2015 development agenda and sustainable goals, addressing development, climate change, and disaster risk reduction in an integrated manner. Countries should formulate strategies to promote synergies at regional levels, as well as promote global information sharing and cooperation.
Colombia said it had made significant progress in dealing with comprehensive risk management for natural disasters, including through the creation of national institutions and the delegation of responsibilities to local governments. The Hyogo Framework provided an important framework for strengthening policies at the national level.
Senegal reiterated its proposals concerning the investment in resilience, including the imposition of a resilience task. Regional specificities should be taken into account in the priorities of the post-2015 framework. In Africa, for historical reasons, enhancing literacy remained a key challenge for improving resilience.
Finland said that the risk reduction framework should emphasise action at the local level; give due consideration to vulnerable groups, gender equality and women equality issues; and ensure that all stakeholders were included in the planning process. Accountability and clear demarcations of stakeholders’ responsibilities were also necessary.
Germany said that an effective, integrated disaster risk reduction management approach was needed more than ever. The Hyogo Framework, while providing a simple and action-oriented framework, had not yet reduced the underlying risk drivers and its links to development frameworks and actors had to be strengthened.
Thailand said it had successfully hosted the Sixth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangkok, in June 2014. The key outcome document called on Governments and stakeholders to improve public investments for disaster risk reduction, establish public/private partnerships, and contribute to and fully support global deliberations on the Hyogo Framework for Action and its successor, among others.
Pakistan fully acknowledged the need for a disaster risk reduction management model that was State driven and promoted action at local levels. In discussions ahead, Pakistan would promote discussion on the necessity to define risks at the national level, keeping in view specific vulnerabilities, geographical characteristics, as well as weather and living pattern needs of a country and its economy.
Netherlands said the Hyogo Framework for Action had done much to raise awareness about the management of disasters. The focus had shifted from disaster response to disaster risk prevention. It highlighted that large scale headline-grabbing disasters posed a threat as well as everyday disasters. Public/private cooperation should be an integral part of resource-mobilisation.
Indonesia said that it was a matter of principle that current deliberations should always be connected to the current Hyogo Framework for Action and the next framework should be based on best practices of its implementation. It was also important to note that there was still a need to do more in Priority for Action 4 on reducing underlying risk factors. There was a need to build capacity at the local level.
Republic of Korea said there were those that considered the cost associated to disaster risk reduction to be money ill-spent but the Republic of Korea was of the view that this was wise and necessary spending. Work by international organizations had been essential to progress and their efforts were greatly appreciated. However, the Hyogo Framework for Action priorities had been lagging. Limitations were most apparent in developing countries.
Nauru said that like other small island developing States, it was grappling with the effects of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. While the post-2015 framework for disaster was a global framework, it should take into account the special case and particular vulnerabilities of small island and developing States.
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe said that transnational preparedness was important both as an instrument of risk management and of confidence building measures capable of preventing conflict. Concerning the Hyogo Framework, the Organization could contribute in the areas of regional cooperation and platforms and networks for exchange.
Business and Industry Major Group recommended encouraging resilience and risk-sensitivity in financial investment practices; rewarding and promoting risk-sensitive business practices in the private sector; and combining the innovation and expertise of the private sector with States’ governance through public-private partnerships.
World Farmers’ Organization stressed the need to re-acknowledge the role of agri-coop and farmers’ organizations to contribute to recovery and restoration from disasters as well as food security in local communities. Climate change adaptation was needed in many sectors to reduce the risk posed by climate change.
For use of the information media; not an official record
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