Global Platform 2007 session workshop: national coordination mechanisms - national platforms for disaster risk reduction

The Hyogo Framework for Action calls on States to “designate an appropriate national coordination mechanism for the implementation and follow-up of this Framework for Action”. These structures were suggested to be multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder and to include for example line ministries, national Red Cross/ Red Crescent Societies, NGOs, the private sector, academic and scientific institutions, donors and UN representatives.

This session is planned to present practical examples of the diverse institutional arrangements existing at national level to promote and implement disaster risk reduction (National Platforms and other coordinating mechanisms). The underlying rationale and the circumstances, which made countries choose a particular set up and the results of this approach will be illustrated. Presentations and discussions will also focus on internal working procedures and discuss the role and competence of national coordinating mechanisms vis-à-vis other governmental structures.

Planned outputs are intended to:

- Obtain a better understanding of variety of institutional options, entry points for building strong coordinating mechanisms and of particular needs of National coordinating mechanisms and national Platforms that Government and the international community should address
- Contribute to ‘Words into Action’, guidelines for implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action.