UNOG Library talk: Meeting the sustainability challenge in the post-2015 era - A vision for resilient nations, large and small

The simultaneous pursuit of social equity, economic prosperity and environmental quality, three pillars of sustainable development, places great demands on all nations. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Economic activity and social developments contribute to development but also heighten the risk of disaster. Valuable natural resources of SIDS, land and water, are at risk of being severely degraded by pollution and misuse. While many SIDS are already taking action to manage risk, more can be done in conjunction with regional organizations and other partners to boost resilience.

In 2015, the international community has an opportunity to agree on global frameworks for disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and climate change. The Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, from 1 to 4 September 2014 in Apia, Samoa, will look into disaster risk reduction as a priority issue. Join this Library Talk to learn why countries – small and large, developed and developing – are urging the international community to give higher political priority to disaster risk reduction as a critical to the development of sustainable nations and communities.

Welcome Remarks:
Ruth Hahn-Weinert, Officer-in-Charge, UNOG Library

Introduction:
Carl Reaich, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Permanent Mission of New Zealand

Moderator:
Margareta Wahlström, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction

Guests:
David Sheppard, Director-General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme