First Meeting of Ministers and High-Level Authorities on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 in the Americas

Date: 8-9 June, 2016

Venue: Asuncion, Paraguay

Introduction:

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 was adopted at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, held from 14 to 18 March, 2015 in Sendai, Miyagi (Japan). This conference made allowed for countries to:

• Adopt a framework for disaster risk reduction post 2015 that is concise, specific, prepared with vision and action-oriented;

• Complete the assessment and review of the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters;

• Consider the experience acquired through the strategies, institutions and regional and national disaster risk reduction plans and their recommendations, as well as the relevant regional agreements for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action;

• Determine the modalities of cooperation based on commitments towards the implementation of a disaster risk reduction framework post 2015;

• Identify modalities for the periodic review of the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

During the World Conference, States also reiterated their commitment to address disaster risk reduction and increase resilience to disasters with a renewed sense of urgency in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and to integrate both disaster risk reduction and increased resilience in policies, plans, programmes and budgets at all levels. The structure of this new framework thus establishes the achievement of the following result over the next 15 years:

"The substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses, in lives, livelihoods and health, as well as economic, physical, social, cultural and environmental assets of individuals, companies, communities and countries.”

Achieving this result requires that political leaders at all levels from all countries seriously commit to and become involved in the implementation and monitoring of this Framework and the creation of the necessary enabling environment. To achieve the expected result, the Framework proposes to pursue the following goal:

"Prevent the emergence of new disaster risks and reduce the existing risks through the implementation of integrated and inclusive economic, structural, legal, social, health, cultural, educational, environmental, technological, political and institutional measures to prevent and reduce the degree of exposure to hazards and vulnerability to disasters, increase preparedness for response and recovery and thereby strengthen resilience.”