First session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction: "Our vulnerability to disasters has never been so high," says USG for Humanitarian Affairs

Over 120 governments meet today in Geneva to launch the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, a gathering that is expected to become the major international consultative forum on disaster reduction. Chaired by Mr. John Holmes, the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, this new body brings together governments, UN and other specialized organizations, financial and academic institutions, NGOs and other members of the civil society for a three-day discussion to address the new challenges posed by climate change and urban risks on vulnerable populations.