2019 TECHNICAL FORUM: Contribution of the Sendai Framework Monitoring (SFM) Process to Reducing the Risk of the Most Vulnerable

Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) with the support of the Government of Germany

Introduction and Background

An important component of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is the inclusive and comprehensive monitoring and reporting process which allows countries, as well as regional organizations and local governments, to monitor progress in reaching the agreed seven global targets as well as to monitor progress in the implementation of national, local and regional risk reduction strategies and plans. The monitoring also contributes to the tracking of the Sustainable Development Goals, specifically targets related to SDGs 1, 11 and 13.

This reporting is supported by the Sendai Framework Monitoring system developed and managed by UNDRR. The system is a state-of-the-art tool built to support all 38 global indicators, extended hazards types and metadata mechanisms that were recommended by the Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Indicators and Terminology Relating to Disaster Risk Reduction (OIEWG) and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. It can be accessed here. The related online tool for disaster loss and damage data collection, DesInventar Sendai, accessible here, was launched on 15 January 2018. The existing databases in the UNDRR public repository of loss and damage data were migrated to also support the requirements of OEIWG. This improved system enables the collection of detailed disaster loss and damage data at all scales (temporal and spatial) using common methodologies. It also allows the capture of disaster information that is location- and time stamped, contributing to a strong analysis of disaster loss and damage. 

Member States were invited to participate in monitoring and to start data collection processes to be carried out on a continuous basis; the first milestone for data reporting that contributed to the SDG reporting took place on the 31 March 2018. The data reported by the 01 October 2018 milestone contributed to the analysis included in the Global Assessment Report 2019 (GAR19). In 2019 there has already been a first milestone on 31 March 2019 and the data compiled at that time informed the reporting to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs for input into the 2019 SDG report, which was presented at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in July 2019. The next reporting milestone is 1 October 2019 at which time all Member States have been invited to input data for Targets A-G up to 2018 and the baseline data for Targets A-B (2005-2014) and optionally the baseline data for Targets C-D (2005-2014). The data reported will be reviewed at this 2019 Technical Forum.

This 2019 Technical Forum will provide an opportunity to review the progress made so far in the monitoring and reporting of the implementation of the Sendai Framework, with a special attention to the contribution of this monitoring and reporting to reducing the risk of the most vulnerable. Additionally, the contribution of the Sendai Framework Monitoring Process to the coherence of actions of the major global agendas will also be reviewed. This review will help highlight the strengths and shortcomings of the SFM Process and help identify actions that could further strengthen the monitoring of the implementation of the Sendai Framework at the national as well as regional and local levels.

Additionally, since July 2018, the Sendai Framework Monitoring system also allows Member States to set up nationally defined and customized targets and indicators, in addition to those already defined and built into the system for the Sendai Framework global targets. There are several important reasons a Member State may wish to do so. Measuring the level of implementation of the Sendai Framework global targets can capture only some aspects of progress in a country. But the Sendai Framework is a comprehensive document that contains a broad set of suggested measures to reduce risk and losses. Countries will need to verify to what extent these recommendations and measures are applicable to their circumstances, and accordingly may want to measure their own level of implementation in a way that informs policy implementation. Furthermore, according to Target E, national DRR strategies should have national “targets, indicators and time frames”, and custom indicators that are part of the Sendai Framework Monitoring system. Progress achieved in defining systems of custom targets and indicators has so far been limited. This meeting will provide an opportunity to review and define a path to ensure countries use the SFM System also for monitoring their national risk reduction strategies.

Participants will not only share experiences on the current work developed by countries in reporting on the progress in implementing the Sendai Framework, but also learn of the work carried out by relevant international and regional organizations to support Member States in this endeavour.

2019 Technical Forum Objectives

UNDRR is organizing this 2019 Technical Forum in order to:

• Review progress made on the Sendai Framework Monitoring Process, including the use of the Sendai Framework Monitor for monitoring regional, national and local risk reduction strategies, the implementation of disaster loss databases and identify areas where technical assistance may be required, including updates to the technical guidance notes (TGN) provided to members.

• Provide a space to share experiences through the review of the monitoring and reporting carried out by Member States, focusing on successes, challenges, and suggestions for improvements in the process.

• Review the contribution of the Sendai Framework Monitor for the reporting requirements of the various global frameworks.

• Review progress made on consolidating access to and use of disaster related statistics as well as geospatial data to support the monitoring of the implementation of the Sendai Framework, as well as other agreements or frameworks (e.g. UNFCCC). Review also of a new proposed hazard classification.

Expected outcomes

The following topics will be covered in the sessions:

• Review of the progress to date on the implementation and use of the Sendai Framework Monitor as well as the disaster loss accounting databases.

• Identification of actions that could further strengthen the monitoring of the implementation of the Sendai Framework at the national as well as regional and local levels.

• Thematic and sectorial discussions including data collection through national statistical systems, geospatial data, classifications of hazards, critical infrastructure, green infrastructure, basic services, productive assets, and slow-onset disasters, measuring loss and damage from climate related hazards.

• Coherence with the 2030 sustainable development agenda and the Paris Agreement. 

• Introduction of relevant research and activities carried out by the UN and other international organizations as well as stakeholders.

Target Audience

The 2019 Technical Forum is aimed at:

• Sendai Framework National Focal Points as well as DRR staff and experts leading the implementation and monitoring of the Sendai Framework at the National as well as Regional and Local levels.
• Senior and technical-level staff of National Statistics Offices (NSOs), as well as other relevant national sectoral data custodians. 
• Senior and technical-level staff from the United Nations and other international and regional organizations, as well as stakeholder representatives (private sector, academia, NGOs, etc.) engaged in the implementation of the Sendai Framework, the 2030 Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement.

Participation will be limited to 110 participants; hence, early application is encouraged.

Language of the 2019 Technical Forum

The working language of all activities of the 2019 Technical Forum will be English. 

How to apply and application deadline

Please note that the deadline for application for all interested participants is 25 October 2019 using the application link given below. Confirmed participants will receive an invitation letter with additional information including the agenda and logistics. 

Application link 

Apply through here.

Funding Support to participants 

Thanks to the support being provided by the Government of Germany, UNDRR will be able to offer support to a limited number of participants. Please note that limited funding support will only be available to selected participants from developing countries (priority to LDC and SIDS countries) that currently take a lead or supporting role for their respective country in the reporting in the Sendai Framework Monitoring system and only from countries that are up to date in the reporting (including up to the 1 October 2019 deadline). 

The support will cover the cost of travel (round-trip ticket – most economic fare – between the airport of international departure in their country of residence and neighbouring airport in Bonn) and/or accommodation during the duration of the event as per UN rules and regulations. If you wish to be considered for funding support, please submit your application by 7 October 2019 and then indicate your need for funding support by sending an e-mail. 

Life and Health Insurance

Life/major health insurance is the responsibility of the participant or his/her institution or government. The organiser will not assume any responsibility for life and major health insurance, nor for expenses related to medical treatment or accidental events.

Point of contact

For logistics and technical matters as well as any other questions please write herehere.