13 September 2012: The UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), together with the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the Lebanese Prime Minister’s office convened a training of trainers on the role of government in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The training, attended by 70 participants, was held in Beirut, Lebanon, from 4-6 September 2012. According to UNISDR, the training aimed to build local capacities to better assess and manage disaster risks, and ensure integration of DRR into city planning and local development. On the sidelines of the workshop, Lebanon also announced that a total of 249 municipalities from Lebanon have now officially joined the Making Cities Resilient Campaign.

The Campaign, launched in 2010, demonstrates local leadership and raises awareness of how efforts to reduce disaster risk are making cities safer and more resilient. The Ten Essentials for Making Cities Resilient include: organization and coordination of risk management; budget assignation; preparation of risk assessments; investment and maintenance of infrastructure that reduces risk; safe schools and health facilities; risk compliant building regulations and land use planning; education and training in disaster reduction; protection of ecosystems and natural buffers; early warning systems and emergency management; and the needs of survivors. The Campaign now has over 1,040 members in over 80 countries. [UNISDR Press Release]