Asia Pacific launch of the 2011 Global assessment report on disaster risk reduction - revealing risk, redefining development

The Asia regional launch of the 2011 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR11) - Revealing Risk, Redefining Development - will be held on 23rd May, 2011 at the Thai Foreign Correspondents Club, from 10-11 am. This landmark publication is a major initiative of the United Nations that contributes to the achievement of the Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) through monitoring risk patterns and trends and progress in disaster risk reduction, while offering guidance and suggestions to governments and non-governmental actors alike, on how they can, together, reduce disaster risks.

The report highlights the need for systematic accounting of disaster losses and impacts, and comprehensive assessment of disaster risks. It reviews innovative approaches that are emerging and suggests a new risk governance paradigm, including the adaptation of existing policies and to disaster risk management through adapting development instruments in areas such as public investment planning and social protection.

The media launch will be organized together with the European Union in Thailand. Lead author and United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Coordinator, Andrew Maskrey, will introduce the report and highlight some of the main findings. A representative from the European Union will discuss policy implications from the report.