2 June 2014: A workshop on ‘Developing Capacities on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in the Asia-Pacific Region,’ organized by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), engaged government and civil society representatives in learning exercises on national development and planning for DRR and CCA, with the aim of increasing political commitment, awareness and social demand for climate resilient development.

Fourteen participants from Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and Viet Nam were introduced to a conceptual framework for DRR, trained to use the Making Cities Resilient (MCR) tools, and asked to design action plans for resilient cities. In breakout groups, attendees used the MCR Local Government Self-Assessment Tool (LG-SAT) to assess their own cities and then drafted outlines of Safe and Resilient City Action Plans.

In creating their draft Action Plans, participants received guidance on effective approaches and how to best take advantage of the MCR tools. The Action Plans include sections on objectives, work areas, actions, indicators, timeframe and responsibility.

In addition to hearing a presentation on the Republic of Korea’s National Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Master Plan, participants had the opportunity to share experiences from their respective cities.

The workshop was hosted by the Centre International de Formation des Autorit̩s et Leaders (CIFAL) Jeju and the UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) Office for Northeast Asia and Global Education and Training Institute (ONEA/GETI) on 28 April Р1 May 2014, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. [UNITAR Press Release]