Regional consultative meeting - West Asia, Middle East and North Africa region

The UNISDR West Asia, Middle East and North Africa Office, in collaboration with IFRC, organized the first Regional Consultative Meeting for community based organizations working in the field of disaster risk reduction (DRR). The meeting envisaged developing a better understanding of existing needs and capacities amongst stakeholders, and discussing how to utilize available resources to scale-up community based DRR activities in the region.

The two-day workshop benefited from rich discussion among 32 participants representing local and international NGOs, NGO networks and the Red Cross/Crescent community. Participants outlined the need for building capacity and practical knowledge on “how to” reduce disaster risks and vulnerabilities at the local level. In particular, recommendations were made to scale up community based DRR initiatives through better networking, information exchange and promotion of good practices and lessons learned in the region.