[UNDRR-SCP joint training programme] Introduction to Disaster Risk Reduction 2021

Date, Time and Venue

Date: 26, 28 April & 04, 06 May 2021

Time: 12.30pm to 3.30pm (Singapore time; UTC+08:00)

Venue: Virtually (Zoom)

Course Objectives

This short online course examines key principles of DRR and the hardcoding of resilience into policy, implementation action and human behaviour. Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 global pandemic that demonstrations the ‘new normal’ of interconnected risk, participants will learn about the Sendai Framework for DRR 2015-2030, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement, interlinkages with International Health Regulations, and possible applications to their State’s existing policy and plans, including disaster risk reduction strategies. The course will also cover Singapore’s experiences in disaster risk reduction and its whole-of-government approach to integrated risk management, and building resilience in the midst of crisis recovery. 

UNDRR will provide globally accepted tools, including the Public Health Scorecard, to help participants become familiar with tools available to develop risk-informed strategies and plans that link DRR, climate, development action and the COVID-19 health emergency. UNDRR will also bring global best practices and encourage sharing of experiences amongst the participants.  

Course Topics

The programme will cover the following aspects: 

• Understanding how DRR links with the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, linking the Sendai Framework with the other two major agreements of 2015; 
• Understanding how to prevent creation of new risk, and reducing existing risks, including biological and human-induced hazards; 
• Fundamentals for formulating national and local DRR strategies as per Global Target E of the Sendai Framework and indicators of SDGs 1 on no poverty, 11 on sustainable cities and 13 on climate action including public health resilience; 
• Strengthening governance and building capacity;  
• Integration of DRR and climate change adaptation into development policy. Key sectors covered will include infrastructure, housing, urban and land use planning, environmental protection, gender issues, psychosocial issues, and health; 
• Building public health resilience through pandemic preparedness, including lessons from COVID-19; 
• Opportunities for resilient recovery through working with public and private stakeholders and strengthening policy and decision-making processes. 

Please view this video for more information on the Singapore-UNDRR Joint Training Programme and DRR: https://www.go.gov.sg/drr2019video. 

Methodology

This short course will mix lecture, discussion and practical exercise with the aim of maximising engagement and exchange of experience among participants. Zoom platform will be used for meetings and webinars (polls, chat and Q&A), online video and offline presentations for self-study, and tools for individual and group practice. Participants will also have adequate opportunity to share their experiences, learning points and challenges in an online discussion forum.  

Target Audience

Participants are selected from nominations submitted by the respective National Focal Point for Technical Assistance (NFP)

Organizers

• United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) 
• Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP)
• Civil Service College, Singapore (CSC)

For more information:

UNDRR Global Education and Training Institute (GETI) at [email protected]