Getting ahead of disasters: Launch of a charter on finance for managing risks

This Charter sets out principles for collaborative action to ensure better use of finance to manage risks and protect people in the most vulnerable countries from climate-related disasters. In committing to the principles of this charter governments, international and regional organizations, international financial institutions, and actors across the climate, environment, development, humanitarian, and peace nexus) join together to pursue a shared objective of ‘getting ahead of disasters’ through improved use of finance. Acknowledging that existing funding arrangements fall short of responding to current and future impacts of climate change, and in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and ultimately the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development these entities share the view that they must take further action in the face of rising loss and damage from climate impacts, to protect lives, livelihoods and development gains, and help ensure the dignity and rights of those who endure the worst impacts of climate change.

The five principle of the charter include: 

• Acting ahead of disasters to reduce risks 
• Coordinating finance across sectors and timelines
• Delivering pre-arranged finance for timely support
• Improving delivery systems for at-risk communities 
• Localising approaches