Singapore-UNDRR Joint Training Programme
Singapore Cooperation Programme
Singapore has provided technical assistance to other developing countries since the 1960s. As a country whose only resource is its people, Singapore believes that human resource development is vital for economic and social progress. Singapore itself has benefited from training provided by other countries and international organisations.
In 1992, the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) was established to bring together under one framework the various technical assistance programmes offered by Singapore. Through the SCP, the range and number of training programmes were increased to share Singapore’s development experience with other developing countries.
To date, over 126,000 officials from more than 170 countries and territories have participated in our courses and study visits. The SCP is managed by the Technical Cooperation Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore.
United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
The UN General Assembly adopted the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction in December 1999 and established United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). UNDRR is the focal point in the UN system for the coordination of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and supports the implementation, follow-up and review of the international Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 – 2030. Its core areas of work include supporting countries and regions in ensuring DRR is a national priority and increasing investments for DRR.
The UNDRR’s Global Education and Training Institute (GETI), which was established in 2010, has a mandate to develop a new cade of professionals in DRR and climate change adaptation for disaster resilient societies. To deliver on this mandate, it has focused primarily on national and city leaders and municipal disaster risk managers. Over the years UNDRR has trained over 1,800 government officials on various aspects of DRR, from 73 countries.
Programme Objectives
The course examines key principles of disaster risk reduction and the hardcoding of resilience into policy, infrastructure and human behaviour. Participants will learn about the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and possible applications to their State’s existing plans. The course will also cover Singapore’s experiences in disaster risk reduction and the government’s approach in formulating adaptation measures and building resilience in the community. UNDRR will provide globally accepted tools and help the participants become familiar with the tools, use them and develop draft action plans for integrating DRR and climate change adaptation into development policies. UNDRR will also bring global best practices and encourage sharing of experiences amongst the participants.
Synopsis
The programme will cover the following aspects:
- Vulnerability assessment through economic risk analysis, catastrophe assessment and finance management;
- Setting up early warning systems.to avoid or reduce risks;
- Building public health resilience through pandemic preparedness;
- Formulating emergency management plans, evacuation planning & training and implementation;
- Essential and emergency operations;
- Working with public and private stakeholders and strengthening policy and decision-making processes;
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation measures;
- Sustainable urban planning and development;
- Strengthening governance and building capacity;
- Finance for DRR; and
- Integration of DRR and climate change adaptation to development policy. Key sectors covered will include infrastructure, housing, land use planning, environmental protection, to name a few.
Methodology
Using the best mix of training and learning methodologies, this course will be highly interactive and experiential. Besides formal lecturing, activities include open discussions, group work, experiential activities and other learning methodologies. Participants will also have adequate opportunity to share their experiences, learning points and challenges during the programme. Relevant site visits will also be included. Shortlisted candidates may be requested to prepare in advance a country report related to disaster risk reduction and possible application of the UNDRR Post-2015 Framework to their State’s existing plans, which will be presented at the course.