UNDRR News

Every Saturday afternoon at 5pm, up to 10 million people tune into what is probably the world’s most popular television programme on disaster risk reduction.

When implemented, disaster risk reduction laws save lives and strengthen capacity at local and national level, according to a new study released today.

Ministers and top government officials from 22 countries in Asia Pacific today identified strengthening local governance and community capacity as the key elements for a successful post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction today urged the world to recapture the spirit of 2005 when, following the shock of the Indian Ocean tsunami, all UN Member States adopted a comprehensive framework for disaster risk reduction, the Hyogo Framework for Action.

'We hope people around the world will respond to our call by proposing the names of individuals or groups that have the ability to inspire new ways of thinking about the way we develop our societies and treat the planet,'

The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) today announced it is seeking nominations for the 2015 Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction, now in its 24th season, for individuals or groups of people providing extraordinary leadership in creating a safe, healthy, wealthy and resilient future for the planet.

A strong turn-out of government ministers and top disaster management officials will ensure high-level political engagement in key discussions at this week’s 6th Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction in Thailand which formally opens tomorrow.

President Benigno Aquino of the Philippines has stressed the importance of mounting “a focused international effort to address the threats posed by climate change, and to build communities that are resilient in the face of disaster.”

The head of one of the world’s leading property developers today called on business enterprises to take advantage of new market opportunities in products and services that address disaster risk reduction.

This week, the city of Cetinje (population: 16,800) became the first city in the Balkan state of Montenegro to join UNISDR’s Making Cities Resilient Campaign.“Reducing disaster risk and adapting to climate change is crucial for the sustainable future of our city and community” said Cetinje Mayor Alexander Bogdanovic, at a signing ceremony. UNISDR representative, Demetrio Innocenti, stated: "Cetinje’s beauty and cultural heritage are priceless and constitute a major economic opportunity given the potential of its tourism industry. It is economically, socially and culturally vital to ensure a disaster and climate resilient future for Cetinje.