Iran: UN plays leading role in dealing with disasters worldwide
The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) held a one day workshop for media persons in Tehran on Tuesday.
Some 30 reporters and correspondents from different news agencies as well as newspapers attended the workshop.
Public Information Officer and Media Advocacy and Outreach ISDR Brigitte Leoni demonstrated the role of media and their contribution to alleviating risk of natural disaster before and after their occurrences.
UNDP joint national program is to strengthen capacities for disaster risk management in the Islamic Republic of Iran through public education and awareness on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), she said.
During the workshop, representatives from UN Agencies in Tehran expressed their views from different angles.
The international framework for disaster reduction i.e. the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-15, promotes the use of knowledge, innovation and education as a tool to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels.
The media engagement can under this context help stimulate and strengthen a culture of disaster resilience through sustainable public education campaigns and public consultations at all levels of society.
In conclusion the specific objectives of the one-day workshop were outlined as :
- To enhance technical capacities of print/electronic media in reporting/profiling of disaster risk reduction issues in Iran.
- To establish a partnership/network of media professionals to work closely on advocacy and awareness with UN thematic group for sustainable development, energy and disaster management.
- To facilitate greater understanding and appreciation of global risk reduction theme around Hospital Safety.
The one day workshop was held in commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction which was celebrated across the globe on October 8.