A Call to Action: Findings and Recommendations from the Midterm Review of the Implementation of the Sendai Framework in the Asia Pacific Region

Time:

12:15 to 13:30 (GMT +7 hours)

About:

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 has reached the midpoint of its implementation, and with that milestone, countries across the globe, including in the Asia Pacific region, are assessing their progress in its implementation. An important aspect of this process is to assess the integration of disaster risk reduction in the SDGs implementation. Disasters erode development gains and hamper the already challenged achievements of the SDGs in the region. Disaster risk reduction is therefore critical to protect and advance sustainable development.

Begun in 2022, the Sendai Framework midterm review will conclude with a High-level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly to be held on 18-19 May 2022 in New York and a political declaration on the way forward. Its deliberations will be key also for the 2023 HLPF and SDG Summit. The findings of an Asia Pacific midterm review report based on national reviews and thematic studies will be presented at this side event. The panel discussion will focus on the findings and recommendations of the midterm review and highlight how the implementation of the Sendai Framework relates to the goals under review, particularly SDG 9 and SDG 11. The side event aims also to promote interactive discussions on emerging risks and prospective approaches to ensure an integrated approach to the implementation of the SDGs, the Sendai Framework, the Paris Agreement and the New Urban Agenda.

This event will allow for a diverse set of voices across stakeholders, sectors and the region to find commonalities and distinct challenges that can be used to help inform our collective actions. Additionally, it will be the primary platform for a regional discussion on the status of the Sendai Frameowork’s implementation to take place just before the high-level meeting in New York in May that will focus on the global outcomes of the Sendai Framework midterm review.  

Speakers include: 

• Mr Marco Toscano-Rivalta, Chief, UNDRR Regional Office for Asia Pacific
• Ms Tiziana Bonapace, Director, ICT and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, UNESCAP
• Mr Ben Churchill, Director, Regional Office for Asia and the South-West Pacific, WMO 
• Asian Disaster Preparedness Center
• Representatives from UN Member States
• Representatives from civil society organizations