Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction 2019

The  is a biennial multi-stakeholder forum established by the UN General Assembly to review progress, share knowledge and discuss the latest developments and trends in reducing disaster risk.

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is a critical component of the monitoring and implementation process of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030). The outcomes of the Global Platform inform the deliberations of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the UN 2019 Climate Summit from a disaster risk reduction perspective.  These efforts contribute towards the successful achievement of a risk-informed 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development.

The sixth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) will take place in Geneva, Switzerland from 13 to 17 May, 2019, convened and organized by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland. The session will be co-chaired by Switzerland and UNISDR. It will represent the next important opportunity for the international community to boost the implementation of the Sendai Framework related goals of the 2030 Agenda, as well as commitments of the Paris Climate Agreement. It is also the last global gathering for all stakeholders before the deadline for achieving Target E of the Sendai Framework: to substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies by 2020.

The sixth session of the Global Platform will build on the momentum created in Cancun, amplified by the integration of disaster risk elements in the implementation of the SDGs, so as to take the implementation of the Sendai Framework and the 2030 Agenda to the next level. It will allow the first stock take of the progress made in implementation, according to data submitted by Member States. The sense of urgency in achieving Target E by 2020 will receive much attention at the next Platform. The programme will be designed in a way that will allow ample space for sharing of experiences, good practices and challenges in achieving this target. While countries are rallying to meet Target E, it is important to ensure that all seven targets and the four priorities are pursued in parallel if the goal and outcome of the Sendai Framework are to be achieved by 2030.

The Chair's summary of the fifth session identified areas of special focus that require particular attention and follow up by member states and stakeholders and will be taken into account in the preparation of the next session. These are: a) monitoring implementation of the Sendai Framework, b) Achieving Target E, c) coherence with the sustainable development and climate change agendas, d) gender-sensitive and inclusive disaster risk reduction, and e) international cooperation initiatives.

UNISDR is committed to scaling up efforts towards integrated gender perspective as well as gender parity throughout the preparations for the 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. This will entail fostering women's participation in the Global Platform whilst ensuring an equal gender representation in the sessions. Efforts will also be made to ensure that gender perspective is mainstreamed throughout the Global Platform discussions to ensure a proper recognition of women’s role and contribution to disaster risk reduction governance, especially in the context of Governments’ efforts in developing inclusive national and local strategies for disaster risk reduction by 2020 in support of Target E.

Thematic Focus of Each Day

Each of the three official days will have a specific focus that contributes in a more concrete manner to the overall theme of the Global Platform.

Wednesday, 15 May

Day 1 will take stock on progress made since the last Global Platform and will contextualize progress made at local, national and regional levels. It is an opportunity for all stakeholders to come together, share experiences on good practices and to identify gaps and discuss challenges related to implementation of the Sendai Framework. Day 1 will also feature a high-level dialogue on global and regional progress, including outcomes from the regional platforms as well as a presentation and discussion on the state of global risk and future trends. Discussion will also focus on institutional strengthening, risk governance, accountability, access to data, including sex and age disaggregated data, and other aspects that are highly relevant for the achievement of the Target E.

Thursday, 16 May

The main focus of Day 2 will be on risk-informed public and private investments, including investments in infrastructure and innovative investment modalities. The High Level Dialogues will provide an opportunity to share inclusive and innovative approaches for risk-informed public and private investments.  These issues, as well as others relating to health and disaster displacement, will be addressed at the working sessions. Day 2 will also provide an opportunity to discuss the outcomes of the World Reconstruction Conference, which will be held during the preparatory days on 13 and 14 May.

Friday, 17 May

Day 3 will focus on action on climate and disaster risk, including integrated national policies, strategies and planning, innovative financial and social instruments for climate and disaster risk reduction, including gender considerations.  These themes are highly relevant for the Secretary-General’s Climate Summit that will take place in New York, in September, 2019, as well as for the achievement of the SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, which is one of the SDGs to be reviewed at the HLPF 2019. Day 3 will also provide an opportunity to discuss the outcomes of the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference, which will be held during the preparatory days on 13 and 14 May.

The conference programme will feature different types of sessions, acknowledging the need for both political and/or high-level dialogues and more technical discussions, workshops and networking. All sessions will be designed in a way that will encourage and maximize the time for dialogue and interaction.

Guiding principles

UNISDR has established the following guiding principles that will be followed in the preparation of the Global and Regional Platforms:

• Coherence with other global agendas
• Multi-stakeholder approach
• Interactive and Innovative
• Inclusion and Accessibility
• Integrated gender perspective and balance
• Green and Paper Smart

Expected outcomes

The platform is expected to have the following key outcomes:

• The first stock take on progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework by Member States and stakeholders, and achievement of disaster risk-related targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Understanding of the state of global risk, and launch of the Global Risk Assessment Framework (GRAF).
• Recommendations and actionable suggestions for key policy makers in charge of sustainable development, finance & economic planning and disaster risk reduction.
• Increased awareness on good practices in implementing the Sendai Framework, including innovative approaches, tools and methodologies.
• A contribution to the discussions of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development to be held in New York in July 2019, as well as the UN Climate Summit in September 2019

To find out more about the 2019 Global Platform, visit their website here