18 May 2016: The Government of Japan and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) cooperated to present a side event promoting awareness of tsunami risk in the Asia-Pacific region, on the margins of the 72nd Commission session of ESCAP.

ESCAP highlighted the need for disaster risk reduction (DRR), noting that the Asia-Pacific region is one of the most tsunami-affected regions in the world, and that 99% of all tsunami-related deaths have occurred here. ESCAP’s Multi-Donor Trust Fund for Tsunami, Disaster and Climate Preparedness supports awareness raising and disaster preparedness work in the region.

Lakshman Senewirathna, State Minister of Science, Technology and Research of Sri Lanka, described his country’s experiences in enhancing tsunami preparedness, noting that a sustainable warning system is one that must address multiple coastal hazards. He called on ESCAP to support science, technology and innovation for regional cooperation on early warning systems.

The 72nd Commission session of ESCAP took place in Bangkok, Thailand, from 15-18 May 2016. Leaders of countries in the region outlined their priorities for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and their expectations of ESCAP’s role in helping to meet these objectives. Over 100 representatives of government and international organizations attended the tsunami side event on 18 May.

In 2015, the UN declared 5 November World Tsunami Day. [ESCAP Press Release] [72nd Commission Session Web Page]