New Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction adopted at World Conference

Minister Brendan Howlin ties a green ribbon on the World Conference tree to signal Ireland's commitment to Disaster Risk Reduction

New framework on Disaster Risk Reduction adopted at World Conference

The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction has concluded, with the adoption of a new international framework on Disaster Risk Reduction. The urgent need for international action was highlighted by the devastating Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu. The incidence of natural disasters has increased fivefold since the 1970s.

The global event brought together 187 governments to agree actions to build the resilience of nations and communities to disasters. Ireland was represented at the event by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin, and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  

After over 60 hours of negotiations, a new international framework - the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 – was adopted by consensus. The Framework includes four Priorities for Action and seven targets. 

A new international framework- the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 -was adopted by consensus.  The Framework includes four Priorities for Action and seven targets.

The four Priorities for Action are: 1) Understanding disaster risk; 2) Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk; 3) Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience; and 4) Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction

The seven global targets to be achieved over the next 15 years are: 1) a substantial reduction in global disaster mortality; 2) a substantial reduction in numbers of affected people; 3) a reduction in economic losses in relation to global GDP; 4) substantial reduction in disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, including health and education facilities; 5) an increase in the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020; 6) enhanced international cooperation; and 7) increased access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk information and assessments.

The Irish Aid programme has a strong focus on disaster risk reduction, providing €20 million for disaster risk reduction in the world’s poorest countries in 2014. Our support includes contributions to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), and the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). Both funds provide a rapid and effective way to respond as the beginning of a crisis, when time is of the essence and it is critical that emergency relief operations get under way quickly.