23 May 2013: The 4th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which was organized by the Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), reaffirmed governments’ commitment to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and to reversing the trend of mounting economic losses caused by natural disasters and climate change.

The 4th Global Platform convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from 19-23 May 2013, and brought together 3,500 participants, including representatives from 172 governments. According to the Chair’s summary of the three-day meeting, the Platform concluded with a call for ‘the immediate start of work to develop targets and indicators to monitor the reduction of risk.’

On 21 May, a High-Level Dialogue brought together ministers, business executives and senior experts to reflect on the future of disaster risk and a post-2015 framework for DRR. Participants called for addressing the drivers of risk, stressing that this should be a core part of the post-2015 development agenda, future sustainable development goals (SDGs), and the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change. The High Level Dialogue concluded with the adoption of a communiqué that outlines actions on DRR for all stakeholders.

During a special session on issues faced by small island developing States (SIDS), SIDS governments and climate change experts warned of a massive increase in human, economic and material losses in SIDS if urgent risk reduction measures are not taken to mitigate hazard and climate change impacts.

During the Platform, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) held a side event on benefits of climate services for managing disaster risk for sustainable growth. WMO emphasized the need for climate services to reduce disaster risk and promote sustainable development.

In addition, details of the €100,000 2014 Risk Award, under the theme of “Disaster Emergency – Resilience for the Most Vulnerable,” were announced, and applications called for by 31 December 2013. The Risk Award is a partnership between UNISDR, the Global Risk Forum Davos and the Munich Re Foundation. Furthermore, the Governments of Bangladesh and Brazil, shared the biennial UN-Sasakawa Award.

Finally, during the meeting, the Government of Japan announced that it would be hosting the 2015 World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction. [Global Platform Website] [WMO Press Release] [Draft Chair’s Summary] [UNISDR Press Release on Targets for Risk Reduction] [UNISDR Press Release on Local Government Action] [UNISDR Press Release on Government Identified Challenges] [UNISDR Press Release on Risk Award] [UNISDR Press Release on SIDS] [UNISDR Press Release on Disaster-Proofing School and Hospitals] [UNISDR Press Release on Sasakawa Award] [UNISDR Press Release on the Role of the Private Sector] [UN Press Release]