11 March 2015
In response to high-level invitations from the Government of Japan and the United Nations Secretary General, the Government of the Philippines is sending an official delegation to the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and its Third Preparatory Committee Meeting (Prepcom3) to be held in Sendai, Japan from March 13 to 18. Aside from honoring these invitations, the Philippines, as a country highly vulnerable to disasters, is making sure that its voice is heard in a once-in-a-decade UN conference that shapes the global framework for reducing risks.
Among the important issues at the Conference is the successor framework to the UN Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) negotiated 10 years ago. The delegation will take active part in the negotiations on the successor Framework, which has building back better in recovery and rehabilitation and measurable indicators as new features to ensure means of implementation in the international effort to reduce disaster risks.
The delegation will also co-chair a high-level dialogue on women in disaster risk reduction, and attend important ministerial roundtables, working sessions, dialogues and public forum events. Several members of the Philippine delegation have roles as panelists and speakers -- a recognition of the country's leadership and prominence in the field of disaster risk reduction and management.
As reflected in the organization of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the delegation includes a significant number of partners from civil society who are members of the NDRRMC. If there is one important thing that the Philippines can demonstrate at 3WCDRR, it is this trust, openness and demonstrated inclusivity through government-civil society partnership, among others, that characterize the desired whole-of-society approach to effectively build resilience against disasters.
Members of the media who are covering 3WCDRR are welcome to approach the delegation for interviews at a pre-arranged time. For media queries and interview arrangements, please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. END