International day for disaster reduction - Nepal

Since the UN's declaration, International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR)  is celebrated every year, to mark the series of events and efforts that led to the formulation of the international strategy on disaster risk reduction and the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) on DRR as well as to reiterate the commitment of communities at local, national and international levels, including governments, donors and other stakeholders to achieving the objectives outlined in the HFA.

In Nepal too, IDDR is celebrated with passion and enthusiasm and is marked usually by a series of events such as seminars, symposiums, awareness events and meetings. While the country is currently going through transition, there are increasing levels of risks being observed putting pressure on the people and the government of Nepal to address fundamental issues that threaten human security while simultaneously paving way for a sound democratic republic.

The humanitarian community is very active in Nepal and their involvement and investment in disaster risk reduction is on the rise. This has led to an increase in demand for a clear policy framework on disaster risk reduction that encompasses all components of comprehensive disaster management from relief to development and beyond. There is a growing belief and conviction that comprehensive disaster risk reduction measures should be taken up immediately by formulating necessary policies and should not be delayed at any cost.

This year, to promote ISDR's 'Making cities resilient: My city is getting ready' world disaster reduction campaign the humanitarian community including DPNet-Nepal is preparing an IDDR action plan. The humanitarian community has invited our valued partners and stakeholders to participate in this campaign by sharing their resources, knowledge and skill to make the IDDR a grand success.

The main action required to be discussed on this year's event is to build disaster resilient communities with safer cities especially safer hospital and schools by promoting increased awareness on disaster risk reduction as an integral component of sustainable development. Other objectives of the action plan include: 

- Increase public awareness to foster understanding of disaster risk reduction locally and nationally
- Ensure that major donors and the government recognize that the DRR framework is people centered
- Develop coordination and collaboration mechanisms in disaster risk reduction in education and health sectors
- Obtain a commitment to institutionalise DRR in Nepal through country and sector wide approaches 

The projected outcome of the action plan formulated for IDDR envisions:

- Increased public awareness on DRR issues 
- Involvement of key stakeholders (media people, intellectuals and opinion leaders) in the process of sensitization towards DRR and DM act
- A mobilized community, informed regarding their rights and seeking an appropriate policy framework in Nepal on DRR

IDDR is a joint initiative by various stakeholders, led by DPNet Nepal, DIPECHO partners and AIN TGDM. Key to the joint initiative will be the active involvement of donors, the UN and government of Nepal. Unlike usual events that mark IDDR , the highlight of last years IDDR was the event organised by the local community. International Day for Disaster Reduction 2010 will be focused on awareness and sensitization of key stakeholders in the society and is seeking the commitment of the government to make cities resilient with safer schools and safer hospitals. It is necessary to make this event make effective and comprehensive.

The organizing committee and task force have been formed as follows: Organizing committee (6 Members) Representative of AIN (Bishnu Kharel) Representative of UN System (Jwala Panday) Representative of DPNet-Nepal (Lubha Raj Neupane) Representative of DIPECHO (Rajesh Shrivastava/Shyam Jnavali) Representative from NRCS (Tirtha Raj Joshi) Representative from Active NGO (Ram Chandra Neupane) The overall coordination and management is handled by DPNet-Nepal who's partners are listed below:

- ECO-Nepal
- Nepal Redcross Society
- NSET
- Friend Service Council
- DiMaNN
- Natural Disaster Management Forum (NDMF Nepal)
- Kirtipur Volunteer Society
- Lumanti
- UNDP
- Oxfam GB Nepal
- Action Aid Nepal
- Save the Children
- Care Nepal
- Lutheran World Federation
- Plan Nepal
- Practical Action
- World Vision International Nepal
- DAN CHURCH AID
- Nepal Geological Society