Italy to host European discussions on disaster losses

BRUSSELS/GENEVA, 04 October 2018 – The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) today announced that Italy will host 55 European countries in a high-level meeting which will take place from 21-23 November in Rome.  

The Prime Minister of Italy, Mr. Giuseppe Conte, said: “Exacerbated by climate change, disasters caused by natural and man-made hazards represent a fundamental challenge in protecting the development growth attained by our nations and communities. From this perspective, this year’s European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction will be held under the theme of ‘Securing Europe’s Prosperity – Reducing Risks of Disasters.'"

Mr. Conte has extended an invitation to all European heads of state to designate a member of their Government to attend the 2018 European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction in particular the high-level political dialogue among Ministers.  Hundreds of European government and civil society representatives will be joined for the first time by delegates from Central Asia and South Caucasus. 

The UN Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction, Ms. Mami Mizutori, said: “Europe has experienced tragic loss of life in a summer marked by heatwaves and wildfires.  This conference will help accelerate implementation of the global plan to reduce disaster losses, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.  Europe needs more countries with national and local strategies for disaster risk reduction in place by 2020, the deadline agreed by UN member states in the Sendai Framework.”