Second session of the Preparatory Committee for the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction: summary of the discussion (part 1)
Second session of Preparatory Committee for Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction opens in Geneva
The Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction opened this morning in Geneva, hearing addresses from the Permanent Representatives of Finland and Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva, acting as Co-chairs of the meeting, as well as the Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who read out the message of United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Disaster Risk Reduction.
In his opening remarks, Thani Thongphakdi, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-chair of the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee, said that the large turnout for the preparatory meeting sent a strong message, adding that the second session would be a test of the political will of States to continue the tradition of cooperation, inclusiveness and innovation.
Paivi Kairamo, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-chair of the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee, expressed hope that the future framework on disaster risk reduction would be concise, focused, forward-looking and action-oriented. She encouraged the participants to interact substantively with intergovernmental organizations, United Nations entities and major groups at Chairs’ dialogues and technical workshops, in order to encompass a wide variety of approaches to disaster risk reduction.
Michael Møller, Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, urged the participants to take into consideration the links between peace building and sustainable development, noting that these links were important in crafting creative and forward-looking solutions. He read out a message from Ban Ki-moon, United Nations Secretary-General, in which he said that natural hazards and climate risk could take a potentially enormous toll on societies if countries did not agree on wise action-oriented measures to save lives, preserve livelihoods and reduce economic losses.
Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, said that the gathering here today showed the resilience of nations and communities to remain dedicated to disaster risk reduction, which was even more important now. Today, they had key elements to design a new post-2015 framework that could guide the work of communities and nations in the coming decades on how to manage risk. Expectations were high and this was manifested by the numbers gathered at the session.
In the discussion that followed on considerations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, speakers noted that the zero draft needed to reflect a clear differentiation between developed and developing countries and the linkage between disasters, the climate change issues, and the post 2015 development agenda. The draft should also clearly address the importance of providing implementation aid to developing countries in the form of technical assistance, technology transfers, research, exchange of lessons and experiences, and finance and enhanced actions at national levels.
Speakers also stressed the need for the participants to adopt action-oriented language in the draft, and to mainstream disaster risk management in all policies, as well as to include contributions and participation of various social actors, including persons with disabilities, women, children and youth, elderly persons, migrants, displaced persons and indigenous peoples.
Speaking in the discussion were Jamaica on behalf of the Informal Group on Targets and Indicators, Japan, the European Union, Namibia on behalf of the African Group, Costa Rica, on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Myanmar, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Ecuador, Paraguay, the United States, Philippines, New Zealand, Barbados on behalf of small island developing States, Indonesia, Egypt, Norway, Morocco, Cuba, Nepal, India, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Brazil and the Republic of Korea.
The Preparatory Committee will resume its work this afternoon, at 3 p.m., to continue its discussion on considerations on the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction.
Opening Statements
THANI THONGPHAKDI, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the Second Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, opened the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction by announcing the election of new officers to the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee. His Excellency Amr Ramadan, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations Office at Geneva, and Sharmeem Ahsan, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, were elected as Vice-chairs of the Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Misako Kaji, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations Office at Geneva, was elected ex-officio member of the Bureau of the Preparatory Committee.
Mr. Thongphakdi said that the large turnout for the preparatory meeting sent a strong message and reflected the inclusiveness in the preparatory process and the commitment the participants shared in trying to strengthen resilience and reduce disaster losses. The second session would be a test of the political will of States to continue the tradition of cooperation, inclusiveness and innovation. The zero draft which was circulated on 20 October 2014 formed the basis of negotiations for the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. He expressed hope that the negotiations would build upon the previous consultative meetings held in September and October 2014, and that the participants would be united in their common desire to continue the good work which began under the Hyogo Framework for Action 10 years ago.
PAIVI KAIRAMO, Permanent Representative of Finland to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the Second Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, said that the Preparatory Committee was tasked to agree on a programme of work for the World Conference, and to agree to endorse the President of the World Conference. She expressed hope that the future framework on disaster risk reduction would be concise, focused, forward-looking and action-oriented. The framework would be an opportunity for the participants to show recognition of the whole-of-society approach to disaster risk reduction. Ms. Kairamo encouraged the participants to interact substantively with intergovernmental organizations, United Nations entities and major groups at Chairs’ dialogues and technical workshops, in order to encompass a wide variety of approaches to disaster risk reduction.
Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, referring to the Hyogo Framework for Action which had been adopted in 2005, stated that the gathering here today showed the resilience of nations and communities to remain dedicated to disaster risk reduction, which was even more important now. Today, they had key elements to design a new post-2015 framework that could guide the work of communities and nations in the coming decades on how to manage risk. Expectations were high and this was manifested by the numbers gathered at the session.
Michael Møller, Acting Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, commended the strong efforts of Ambassadors Karaimo and Thongphakdi in taking this work forward, and expressed deep appreciation towards the hosts of the Preparatory Sessions and the Conference, Switzerland and Japan.
He read out a message from BAN KI-MOON, United Nations Secretary-General: “I am pleased to send greetings to all participants at the Second Session of the Preparatory Committee for the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. Natural hazards and climate risk can take a potentially enormous toll on our societies if countries do not agree on wise action-oriented measures to save lives, preserve livelihoods and reduce economic losses. The post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction must take off where the Hyogo framework leads off, providing the world with necessary tools to reduce risk levels and avoid new dangers. This will be important to our broader development efforts as the world strives next year to adopt a new universal climate agreement and a set of sustainable development goals.”
Mr. Møller concluded by observing that today, as they opened the Second Preparatory Committee Session, they were marking the beginning of Geneva Peace Week, which consisted of a series of events that were all aimed at bringing together the many actors working on different aspects of peace promotion, and to expand the space for dialogue about building peace and resolving conflict across different communities. He cautioned that they must take into consideration the links between peace building and sustainable development, stating that if they failed to take these links into consideration, they would miss the opportunity to craft the creative and forward-looking solutions that they needed.
Organizational Work
THANI THONGPHAKDI, Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Co-Chair of the Second Preparatory Committee for the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, turned to the programme of work of the Preparatory Committee. In addition to the plenary session, the Co-chairs would hold two sessions of dialogues with major groups, whereas technical workshops would discuss indicators, monitoring and the review process for the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, and on the integration of disaster risks in financial regulation. The Committee adopted the agenda and programme of work, and agreed that General Assembly rules would guide the proceedings of the Committee.
Mr. Thongphakdi recalled that non-governmental organizations not accredited with the United Nations, whose work was relevant for disaster risk reduction, had been invited to request accreditation. A number of documents in this regard were before the Committee. The Committee adopted the suggested arrangements for accreditation and participation of non-governmental organizations and other major groups in the World Conference. The Preparatory Committee adopted the list of accredited non-governmental organizations.
MARGARETA WAHLSTROM, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, updated the Preparatory Committee on progress on the organization of the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. She said all Heads of State were invited to the Conference, and that a call for contributions was placed on the Conference website to encourage more input and momentum for stakeholder commitments. The intergovernmental segment of the Conference would consist of nine plenary meetings, and five ministerial roundtables, and three multi-stakeholder conferences. One Chairperson per roundtable would moderate the discussions. The Chairs would be moderated by the five regional groups, while Japan would act as the sixth Chair. The public forum would also take place in Sendai in order to accommodate the great interest in the Conference.
KENICHI SUGANUMA, Ambassador in Charge of the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, said that the preparation for the Conference was progressing well thanks to the work and commitment of the Secretariat and all the stakeholders. He added that the Government of Japan would endeavour to make the Conference as fruitful and as pleasant for all those coming to Sendai.
Jamaica, speaking on behalf of the Informal Working Group on Targets and Indicators, stated that the Working Group, which had been established by the Co-chairs to look into targets and indicators identified in the zero draft of the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, had held four meetings. The outcomes of these meetings had resulted in several general considerations: the context and percentages would require further consideration to determine the implications for national governments; a timeframe of 15 years to align with the Sustainable Development Goals should be considered; the baselines for targets should be set to at least 10 years preceding the start of any monitoring process; and the scope of the targets should be more positively oriented to slow onset disasters, and small scale localised disasters. The Working Group had considered the five global targets identified in paragraph 13 of the zero draft and suggested two additional targets.
Japan elaborated on the draft elements of the Political Declaration that they had drafted as a non-paper prior to the session. The elements of the paper had been prepared to capture the points that appeared in the zero draft of the framework document. The ten points were not intended for the purpose of negotiation at this stage but rather to act as a sounding board for the views to be expressed by the delegations during the following session this morning. Under the able guidance of the Co-chairs, the facilitator would carefully listen to the interventions during this session and note down the points made on the declaration. All contributions from the delegations and regional missions would be utilized as inputs for drafting the declaration. The compiled text would be presented to the Member States at a later date for their reflection and a consultation process would be held to finalize the text. The timing of the aforementioned process would depend on the progress made on the consideration of the framework. However, bearing in mind the projected deadline for the consultation, Japan deemed important that considerations of the Sendai Declaration be adopted on March 18, 2015, the last day of the Conference.
Considerations on the Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Namibia, speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that the zero draft of the post-2015 framework on disaster risk reduction should reflect global partnership and international cooperation. The draft had to provide a clear differentiation between developed and developing countries, and the linkage between disasters and climate change issues. The draft should also clearly address the importance of providing implementation means to developing countries, such as technical assistance, technology transfers, research, finance and enhanced actions at national levels.
Costa Rica, speaking on behalf of the Latin American and Caribbean States, said that the main goal of the post-2015 framework should be the reduction of the human and economic cost of disasters. Accordingly, actions needed to be adapted to the needs and capacities of each country, taking into account factors such as poverty, unbalanced economic development, insufficient and inadequate resources, and climate conditions. In addition, the zero draft needed to reflect the contributions and participation of various social actors, including persons with disabilities, and ancestral knowledge.
Myanmar, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, recognized the importance of the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, and welcomed the revised zero draft of the post-2015 framework. The Association appreciated the development of measurable global targets and indicators that would promote accountability and the greater role given to regional organizations in supporting and facilitating the post-2015 framework. It welcomed and supported the focus on resilience and prevention, and the need for an inclusive and people-centred approach to disaster risk reduction.
European Union welcomed the draft elements of the Sendai Declaration proposed by Japan and the zero draft elements submitted by the Co-chairs. It asked that the draft focus on the implementation and mainstreaming of disaster risk management within all policies. In addition the European Union asked that the framework address vulnerabilities and needs where it mattered most, and harness the potential of civil society. It should also integrate gender, age, and disabilities into disaster risk management. Finally, the European Union stated its support for a stronger effectiveness of investing in disaster risk management.
Ecuador proposed that a disaster risk reduction decision matrix tool be adopted, in order to encompass the priorities reflected in the zero draft of the post-2015 framework on disaster risk reduction. This tool should be called “three minutes,” reflecting the necessary response time in disaster situations and the discussions held at the Fourth Session of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction of the Americas held in May 2014.
Paraguay reaffirmed its commitment to disaster risk reduction and management, responsibilities and related challenges. Paraguay had held a workshop on the revision and validation of indicators of disaster risk management and reduction, and launched a process of paradigm shifts in the country, taking into account international commitments to the Millennium Development Goals and the Hyogo Framework of Action.
United States said it continued to make significant investments in technology, infrastructure and communities and paid increased attention to integrating groups, such as persons with disabilities, children and youth, displaced persons, older persons, and indigenous groups in its disaster risk reduction framework. The United States would also provide scientific and technical assistance to developing countries, but it stressed that the post-2015 framework should not prejudge the ultimate agenda on sustainable development goals, or climate change discussions.
Philippines welcomed the zero draft, but noted that it needed to strengthen the section on international cooperation and global partnership in the prevention and preparedness phase, in the response phase, and in the rehabilitation, reconstruction and recovery phase, in order to assist developing countries. The Government of Philippines also welcomed the inclusion of migrants in the zero draft, and the call for the international community to take shared responsibility and to adopt a people-cantered approach in disaster risk reduction.
Cuba stated that it was essential to adopt a risk management approach that encompassed the phases of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The Post-2015 Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction should be based on the 2005 Hyogo Framework for Action, and should be a tool in the hands of States to promote international cooperation, access new technologies, exchange good practices, and develop national capacities, in connection with the priorities defined by the competent authorities in each country.
Nepal evoked that it was a committed signatory to the Hyogo Framework for Action. Disaster risk reduction could not be a stand-alone process, and must be integrated and prioritized across governments and sectors, especially with the Millennium Development Goals. In the post 2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, it would be crucial to ensure that risk reduction and adaptation were aligned and embedded with development priorities across sectors.
India stated that it was prone to frequent natural hazards, including cyclones, earthquakes, and landslides. The post 2015 disaster risk reduction framework should focus on international cooperation and means of implementing the framework for capacity building and availability of appropriate technology in developing countries, in particular least developed countries. The international community, in particular developed countries, should demonstrate its commitment by providing matching financial support to effectively realize the goals and objectives of the post 2015 framework.
New Zealand said the zero draft was a solid foundation, noting that strong partnerships and the sharing knowledge and experience were crucial in building disaster resilience. To that end, New Zealand endorsed actions such as early warning, public awareness and education programmes, and called for a strong emphasis on these areas in the zero draft. Science and technical research had to underpin disaster risk reduction overall and New Zealand was committed to sharing their lessons and experiences on the global stage.
Japan said it attached great importance to the following elements in the zero draft: the role of the central government; investment in disaster prevention and mitigation; and the policy of “Build Back Better”. The political declaration should encompass human security, the integration of disaster risk reduction in the post 2015 development agenda, and the “Build Back Better” policy.
Barbados, speaking on behalf of Small Island Developing States, said that disaster risk reduction was of critical importance in the sustainable development of small island developing States because they continued to be at the frontline of disaster risks and lacked the necessary resources to implement relevant disaster reduction and management measures. To that end, small island developing States called for assistance in capacity building, technical and financial aid, and technology transfer.
United Kingdom welcomed the draft elements of the Sendai Declaration proposed by Japan. Regarding the zero draft, the United Kingdom recognized that some of the previous gaps had been better addressed; however, there remained a number of areas for improvement. The United Kingdom welcomed the progression towards a clearer and more concise framework, and wished to see a stronger overarching narrative in which the disaster risk reduction and broader resilience agenda would be firmly established as both a development and a humanitarian priority.
Switzerland stated that since the last preparatory committee, considerable progress had been made, and congratulated all stakeholders for having made a contribution to drafting and enhancing the text of the zero draft. Half-way between the first Preparatory Committee and the World Conference, there was a need to ensure that things would continue progressing at a regular pace.
Brazil said that while the zero draft represented a clear improvement to the previous document, more efforts were needed in order to achieve an ambitious and balanced outcome. Poverty eradication and reduction of inequality should be clearly depicted in the text as key priorities for action. Brazil welcomed the draft elements of the Sendai Political Declaration, but believed that the text should include language on core principles such as sustainable development and the eradication of hunger and poverty.
Indonesia welcomed the zero draft but noted that more emphasis should be put on the linkage between disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Community resilience had to be taken into account as the ultimate vision for the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction. The framework also needed to address major obstacles and challenges faced by countries in building disaster resilience, the role of the private sector and media, and the provision of sustainable, adequate and predictable financial support.
Egypt said it supported the adoption of the zero draft and reasserted its commitment to its objectives. Egypt recalled that there were challenges resulting from the pressure of the environment and the shortcomings of urban planning. More attention should be given to the occupied Palestinian territories, food and water security linked with drought and desertification, and local capacities in disaster management, as well as to developing countries in general.
Norway encouraged effective negotiations in order to come up with a practical and strong framework for disaster risk reduction. Norway welcomed references to the post-2015 development agenda and to the climate change agenda. Norway proposed the shortening of the zero draft in order to avoid duplication, and it urged participants to use clear and action-oriented language. It also emphasized that it was important to involve persons with disabilities, children, the elderly, displaced persons, women and ethnic minorities in relevant discussions.
Morocco said that the political declaration should be negotiated before the start of the World Conference in Sendai, and expressed concern on whether developing countries would be able to implement the provisions of the zero draft. The draft should take into account the capacities of each country of the south. Morocco proposed the establishment of a trust fund for developing and the least developed countries.
Republic of Korea said the following key elements should be considered in the post 2015 disaster risk reduction framework: the building of a partnership based on a “whole-of-society” approach that encouraged participation of all stakeholders; the building and strengthening of capacities of diverse stakeholders, including education for children and youth; and the development of more innovative techniques for disaster risk forecasts and analyses such as a big data strategy using science and technology.
For use of the information media; not an official record