Ten Years On: The Indian Ocean Tsunami From Learning to Action
On the occasion of the ten year anniversary of the Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26 December 2004, a panel discussion on “Ten Years On: The Indian Ocean Tsunami - From Learning to Action” was held in Khao Lak, Phang Nga, Thailand.
Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the event was moderated by Ms. Margareta Wahlström, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction, with welcoming remarks delivered by H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand.
Discussions centred upon reviewing what has been learnt over the past decade, how this knowledge has been applied and what more needs to be done to make our
societies more resilient to similar events in the future. As we move from the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-15 to the Post 2015 framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the importance of ‘bridging the gap’ between communities; private and public sector; and local and national level was also discussed.
The full programme for the 10th anniversary took place over two days. The Thai government invited VIPs from other countries to attend the ceremony. The Foreign Ministry invited 23 consuls from various countries.
In this regard, importance was given to several action points for the consideration of the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction, to be held during 14-18
March 2015, in Sendai, Japan, detailed in the Message from Khaolak to Sendai below.