Videos on day 1

The findings of the 2011 Global Assessment Report highlight how governments are adopting innovative and successful strategies to address risk. The findings make a compelling case for action in four areas: addressing global risk drivers; taking responsibility for risks; leveraging existing development instruments; and, strengthening risk governance capacities.

Parliamentarians, mayors and local government representatives can play a strategic role in bridging the gap between national governments and local authorities in understanding and knowledge about disaster risk reduction.

The roundtable will draw attention to what has been learnt from responses to nuclear accidents in Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and now Fukushima. It is clear that preparedness for response to incidents and emergencies at nuclear power plants should be part of overall national, regional and international preparedness for response to different types of emergencies.

Distinguished delegates are cordially invited to the opening of the Third Session of the Global Platform and the World Reconstruction Conference.

Risk is most effectively reduced at the local level. Concerted action is required to ensure that systematic and predictable resources are reaching local levels, that activities are well-designed and that capacities are in place to support implementation. This plenary session introduces the overarching theme of the Third Session of the Global Platform and provides an opportunity for leaders to describe the strengths and weaknesses of mechanisms designed to ensure that local authorities are better resourced financially and technically.