FIRST PREPARATORY COMMITTEE CONTINUES DISCUSSIONS ON POST-2015 FRAMEWORK FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION ON SECOND DAY OF MEETINGS

The First Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction this morning, on its second day of meetings, continued its discussion on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

In the discussion speakers highlighted both national and regional measures taken on the basis of the Hyogo Framework. Investing in risk reduction made social, economic and environmental sense. Strong partnerships where knowledge and experience were shared were crucial to community resilience. Furthermore, engaging local leaders and affected communities was also essential to manage impact. International funding for this field was something that still needed to be achieved. A sustainable world would not be possible without disaster risk management. More emphasis needed to be placed on emergency response and preparedness.

In the development of the post-2015 framework, lessons learned should be considered through the participation of a broad range of stakeholders. The post-2015 framework also had to ensure coherence between disaster risk reduction and sustainable development mechanisms, and promote the participation of relevant stakeholders, including local communities, on the basis of available evidence and in an accountable manner. There was no doubt that the approach to disaster risk reduction was an important element of sustainable development. The World Conference should deliver a strong outcome document, on the basis of a transparent and inclusive process that enhanced global partnerships to tackle the risks to which developing countries were exposed.

Speaking in the discussion were Ethiopia, Dominican Republic, Cambodia, New Zealand, Fiji, Bahamas, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gambia, Niger, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Palestine, France, Gabon, Armenia, Norway, Singapore, Samoa on behalf of Pacific Island Countries, Cuba, Chad on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, Morocco, Canada, Argentina, Trinidad and Tobago, Cook Islands, Uganda, Zambia, United Kingdom, Burundi, Algeria, and Tonga.

International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, International Hydrographic Organization, NGO Major Group, Caribbean Community, Local Authorities Major Group, and Major Women’s Group also spoke.

The Preparatory Committee will resume its work this afternoon at 3 p.m., to continue its discussion on considerations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction and all other agenda items, before concluding its first session.

Considerations on the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

PAIVI KAIRAMO, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the First Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, invited the Preparatory Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 6 on considerations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

Ethiopia said that natural and human hazards continued to pose a serious threat to the country, mainly because of widespread vulnerability and climate change. Recognizing the situation had put disaster risk reduction and resilience building at the top of the country’s development agenda. It had achieved a broad range of results over the past years, reflected in the Hyogo Framework for Action progress report.

Dominican Republic said it had paid close attention to the Hyogo Framework and significant progress had been achieved although there were still needs in terms of clear strategy and strengthening institutions. Such weaknesses were experienced by others and the new framework would have to address this. International funding for this field was something that still needed to be achieved.

Cambodia said that several parts of the world were facing adversity and insecurity in terms of life, livelihoods and socio-economic costs by both natural disasters and human-induced emergencies. Cambodia would intensify its commitment and efforts in implementing the five key priority areas of disaster risk reduction. Investing today would lead to a safer tomorrow. Cambodia’s National Contingency Plan was being implemented.

New Zealand said that its approach to managing risk was informed by its own experience of disasters, as well as its experience in working with partners and friends, especially in the South Pacific. Strong partnerships where knowledge and experience were shared were crucial to community resilience. Engaging local leaders and affected communities was also essential to manage impact.

Fiji said that as a small island State, it was highly vulnerable to the adverse impact of climate change and other natural disasters. Targets either achieved or being worked towards by Fiji included reviewing its disaster risk management policy to include climate change and integrating disaster risk management and climate change to allow them to be addressed by one entity.

Bahamas said that the Caribbean was the second most hazard prone region in the world and in this context the Hyogo Framework had been an important part of disaster risk reduction efforts. In the development of the post-2015 framework lessons learned should be considered through the participation of all stakeholders. The framework and the outcome of the Third Conference on Small Islands Developing States should be mutually reinforcing.

Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirmed its commitment to the conclusions of the Fifth Africa Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Abuja, Nigeria, in May 2014, and called on States to integrate the combat against poverty and disaster risk reduction by ensuring synergy between post-2015 sustainable development goals and the framework. Such a framework should include measures to address compensation for damages, cooperation and conflict prevention.

Gambia said that Africa was one of the most vulnerable continents, including to the effects of climate change. Gambia was committed to the implementation of national measures towards improved disaster management and, concerning the new framework, recommended addressing agriculture’s vulnerability to climate change and extreme weather conditions and strengthening capacity building.

Niger said that most disasters in Africa were linked to drought and flooding, with implications on food security, loss of diversity and environmental degradation. The new framework should be coherent and pragmatic: strengthening capacity and transferring resources for addressing disaster risks, and providing additional support for States in the context of the principles of shared responsibility and solidarity.

Jamaica had developed preparedness and mitigation policies on the basis of the Hyogo Framework. The post-2015 framework must ensure coherence between disaster risk reduction and sustainable development mechanisms, and promote the participation of relevant stakeholders, including local communities, on the basis of available evidence and in an accountable manner.

Sri Lanka had started a programme to ensure the safety of existing education and health facilities, and completed vulnerability assessments in districts highly prone to tsunami. Sri Lanka had contributed to the Hyogo Framework for Action 2 Asia Pacific document on Learning from Hyogo Framework for Action 1. In the post-2015 disaster risk reduction framework, more emphasis needed to be placed on emergency response and preparedness.

Palestine said that Israel since its occupation had used the Palestinian territories to get rid of solid dangerous wastes. The settlements being established also built up pollution. Over 200 factories had chemical substances leaking into Palestinian territories, contributing to environmental pollution. There was waste water also containing chemicals and damaging the health of the population and desertification of agricultural land.

France wished to actively contribute to the implementation of the post-2015 action plan for disaster prevention. Since the adoption of the Hyogo Framework for Action, major risks had increased. A sustainable world would not be possible without disaster risk management. The accent should be put on prevention strategies in the development models. Strategies and policies should be based on the awareness of actors working at all levels.

Gabon reiterated its commitment to integrating disaster risk reduction into plans and policies as a national priority. There was no sustainable development without disaster risk reduction, hence the need to invest in it. A law had been adopted on risk exposure, with a fund to finance projects related to risk prevention and reduction and help to those that had suffered; an inter-ministerial committee for the management of emergencies had been created.

Armenia said it was clear that work remained to be done. New risk management strategies and decentralization were priorities, as were integrated approaches, and public/private partnerships, among others. There was no doubt that the approach to risk reduction was an important element of sustainable development.

Norway said that the new framework should be simple and operational, including measurable goals and concrete targets over agreed timeframes; disaggregated data should at least allow for measuring age, gender and disability, and address the particular needs of vulnerable groups. Decision making should be risk-informed, on the basis of relevant scientific and local knowledge that would allow for a better risk management and a culture of safety.

Singapore said that prevention and preparedness should be at the core of the post-2015 disaster risk reduction framework, and maintain the Hyogo Framework’s emphasis on building strong institutions. National efforts to build resilience for disaster risk reduction were necessary but not sufficient; cooperation at the international and regional levels was essential to tackle transboundary hazards and the post-2015 framework should enhance such cooperation.

Samoa, speaking on behalf of Small Island Developing States, presented an update regarding developments in the context of the sixth session of the Pacific Platform for Disaster Risk Management, which had brought together government and civil society actors to improve collaboration for improving resilience. The private sector and non-governmental organizations had a central role to play in improving resilience.

Cuba said that the new framework should, among other things, strengthen the figure of the State as a governing and coordinating body in the area of disaster risk reduction; promote international cooperation and financial assistance; as well as ensure access to knowledge and technology for countries in the South. While coordination was important, Cuba considered it premature to establish links between different global processes.

Chad, speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, highlighted the importance of disaster risk reduction and its direct impact on sustainable development: in 2000, the damage caused by disasters was estimated in $ 1.3 trillion, 2.5 billion persons affected and over 1.1 million killed. The World Conference should deliver a strong outcome document, on the basis of a transparent and inclusive process that enhanced global partnerships to tackle the risks to which developing countries were exposed.

Morocco said the global climate situation was generating more and more natural disasters, especially for small island developing States, requiring new international mechanisms and public/private partnerships. The success of the fight against natural disasters depended on the unanimous efforts of the international community. The Hyogo Framework for Action had not provided for periodical evaluation and follow-up had been marginalised.

Canada said that its interests and actions related to disaster risk reduction included strengthening the resilience of the country and community and international efforts to reduce disaster risk. Ensuring equality between women and men was embedded as a cross-cutting issue, and the needs of the most vulnerable must be addressed. An eventual monitoring system should be based on best practices learned over the last decade.

Argentina reiterated its continued commitment to disaster risk reduction as shown during the decade for natural disaster reduction and its participation in the Hyogo Framework for Action, as well as its campaign ‘Resilient Cities.’ Important progress reached in implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action did not mean that all stages had been fulfilled and problems solved. There had to be continued work on this issue.

Trinidad and Tobago recognised the current process of planning and the goals set for the Hyogo Framework for Action beyond 2015. It had worked hard as a small island State to align its work programmes with the Hyogo Framework for Action priorities and goals. It recognised challenges and success towards mainstreaming disaster risk reduction worldwide. Trinidad and Tobago also appreciated the value of regional platforms.

Cook Islands said that in terms of the proposed elements of the post-2015 framework, it acknowledged that the Pacific position resonated with that of the African Regional Platform and that of the Americas. Adopting a whole of society approach was of utmost importance and different stakeholders all had a unique and essential role to play in achieving resilience. An integrated approach should be the standard in addressing disaster risk.

Uganda reiterated some of the recommendations put forward by the review meeting held in Kampala in 2013, including, among others: the need to raise national awareness and understanding of disaster risk reduction and enhance research; building local government capacity through training and technology; strengthening early warning systems; and a governance framework that enhanced accountability.

Zambia suffered from floods and droughts which had intensified with the advent of climate change. The repeated occurrence of these hazards, while not making global news headlines, affected communities and livelihoods and eroded their resilience. Concerning the new framework, attention should be paid to developing countries’ implementation of disaster risk reduction, including financial and capacity gaps.

United Kingdom said that the new framework should be aligned with the 2015 global agreements on sustainable development and climate change, including consistent targets and indicators. The framework should also improve accountability, ensure this agenda was a humanitarian and development priority, focus on local and community levels, and promote engagement from the private sector and insurance.

Burundi said that despite efforts for the implementation of a national platform and risk management as part of the Hyogo Framework, Burundi’s responses to recent catastrophes were inefficient due to the lack of capacity and means. For this reason, a new national plan of action for 2013-16 had been implemented with the objective of improving communities’ resilience.

Algeria, concerning priorities for the post-2015 framework, highlighted the reinforcement of national resilience on the basis of the socio-economic development of vulnerable regions and populations, and cooperation in science and technical fields concerning risks and the improvement of cooperation. Attention should be granted to drought and desertification, which affected a large number of countries.

Tonga said that in 2009, Tonga had introduced a joint national action plan for the integration of climate change and disaster risk management, resulting in several projects being established to address the issues involved. At the beginning of this month, a new ministry was created. Tonga was one of the many countries that lived on the frontline of natural hazards. These annual natural hazards increasingly eroded its development gains.

International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources was pleased to note that almost all interventions made reflected one point of consensus: that the international community had to work towards enhancing resilience. The importance of ecosystems in enhancing resilience was highlighted. Some countries had become conscious of this and had taken measures to direct investment in conserving and sustainably managing ecosystems.

Inter-Governmental Authority on Development said the region had been facing recurrent disasters, resulting from various natural and man-made hazards. Disaster risk management had become one of its strategic programme areas. In the aftermath of the 2010 and 2011 droughts in the region, it had initiated a programme addressing the recurrence of drought disaster.

International Hydrographic Organization said that seas and oceans played a major role in sustaining human life and wellbeing, but they were also the source of significant hazards. The reduction of risks related to marine disasters was recognised as a major component of disaster risk reduction. Significant efforts were being devoted to early warnings for disasters such as tsunamis. There was no evidence of significant efforts of hydrographic surveys around the world.

NGO Major Group strongly supported inclusive governance arrangements that gave power and a voice to those disproportionately affected by disasters. The post-2015 framework should be an integral part of a comprehensive risk management approach aimed at strengthening disaster resilience to a dynamic and complex interconnected array of extreme shocks and disturbances, whether due to natural, political, social, economic or technological hazards.

Caribbean Community said that it supported the perspective that the Hyogo Framework for Action remained relevant, adding that continuity was critical. Some areas recommended for more explicit treatment included integration of climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction; joint plans of action at the national level; that climate change and disaster risk reduction actors should be viewed as one community of actors; and empowerment of communities.

Local Authorities Major Group said that the expansion of cities exposed more people and economic assets to the risk of disasters and the effects of climate change. It was urgent to engage local authorities as essential stakeholders in the implementation of the new disaster risk reduction framework, which should build on existing frameworks while promoting actions at the local level in order to reduce risks.

Women’s Major Group said that the post-2015 framework should take into account the different capacities of communities; it should link disaster risk reduction to the sustainable development agenda; disaster risk reduction strategies and actions should recognise and address gender inequality; and targets and indicators for monitoring and accountability required disaggregated data.

Organization of Work

The Co-Chairs informed that their informal consultations with States concerning the inter-sessional period was scheduled at 2 p.m. Therefore, the Committee decided to hold their fourth plenary meeting at 3 p.m., when the Committee would address all remaining issues, including the working programme for drafting and consultations during the inter-sessional period. During the plenary meeting, the moderators of technical workshops would also have an opportunity to update the Committee on their discussions.


For use of the information media; not an official record

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