Cities prepare!: reducing vulnerabilities for the urban poor

Cities Prepare! considers disaster risk reduction from an urban perspective, with a focus on the cities of the Asia Pacific region. Part (1) of this report provides a situation summary of the region’s urban children, the factors contributing to their risk, and the ways in which they are participating in their own risk reduction. Part (2) considers case studies from seven Asian cities in terms of “child friendly cities” and child-focused disaster risk reduction.

Cities Prepare! is written at a time of further international negotiation as 2015 will mark the end of two significant international frameworks: the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). Debate is underway on what should take their place. Global frameworks offer mechanisms which can translate into practical change if applied. This report will not debate the merits of each, but it will underscore the need for decision makers to acknowledge urban hazards and reduce urban risk.