Geneva
Switzerland

Informal Meeting: Open-ended Intergovernmental Expert Working Group on Indicators and Terminology Relating to Disaster Risk Reduction

Organizer(s) United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Venue

Room XIX, Palais des Nations

Date

Introduction:

In its resolution 69/284 of 3 June 2015, the General Assembly established an open-ended intergovernmental expert working group on indicators and terminology relating to disaster risk reduction to develop indicators to measure global progress on the seven agreed targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. The Working Group would also consider an update of disaster risk reduction terminology. On 28 September 2015, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), Ms. Margareta Wahlström, will preside over informal meetings of the Working Group prior to its first formal session, scheduled for 29-30 September.

Purpose of informal meetings:

The purpose of the informal meetings is to help members of the Working Group identify key strategic issues and priorities that may be taken on board in the context of their work. Presentations by panelists will help focus attention on issues, and open and stimulate a debate. After the presentations, the floor will be opened to questions, comments and further reflections on the issues at stake. The informal meetings will consist of two interactive panel discussions–one in the morning and one in the afternoon–moderated by SRSG Wahlström.

Participation:

Participation is also open to relevant stakeholders who have registered to take part in the first formal session of the Working Group, including from civil society organizations, private sector, local government, scientific institutions and the United Nations system. Scroll below to register online.

Programme: Informal meetings, Monday, 28 September

9.30-10am Welcome Coffee
Introduction
10-10.10am Opening, welcome and presentation of the day SRSG Wahlström
10.10-10.25am Setting the scene SRSG Wahlström
Morning Panel Discussion
10.25-12.50am Panel presentation and discussion on terminology Three panelists.

Moderated by SRSG Wahlström.
  The purpose of this panel presentation and discussion is to explore:
  • Challenges and opportunities in developing and using common terminology;
  • Modalities for developing common terminology, including the question of referral to other terminology definitions/sets;
  • Scope of the terminology set to be adopted and new and old issues in need of being defined and refined, issues to be updated, questions deserving priority;
  • Lessons learned from the use of the existing terminology in the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action, including in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction across sectors;
  • Identification of emerging terminology needed for the understanding and implementation of the Sendai Framework;
  • Challenges and opportunities related to translating and using internationally-developed terminology into other languages and between different national contexts, sectors and stakeholders including private and civil groups;
  • Use of internationally-agreed terminology in the development of standards and national and local normative and regulatory frameworks.

Panelists’ considerations will be based on existing disaster risk reduction terminology; national and international practice in implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action; scope of the terminology and concepts included in the Sendai Framework; other relevant concepts in international legally and non-legally binding instruments such as UNFCCC, SDGs. The UNISDR-facilitated “Proposed Updated Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction: A Technical Review”, and the "2009 UNISDR Terminology on Disaster Risk Reduction" will serve as background documents.

12.50-1pm Conclusion SRSG Wahlström
1-3pm Lunch
Afternoon Panel Discussion
3-3.10pm Opening and welcome, and housekeeping issues SRSG Wahlström
3.10-3.25pm Setting the scene Mr. Andrew Maskrey, Chief, UNISDR Risk Knowledge Section
3.25-5.40pm Panel presentation and discussion on indicators Three panelists.

Moderated by SRSG Wahlström
  The purpose of this panel presentation and discussion is to explore:
  • Challenges and opportunities in developing indicators for monitoring progress to achieve global targets for disaster risk reduction;
  • Modalities for developing monitoring mechanism;
  • Availability of globally standardized data sets and new data required relevant to disaster risk reduction;
  • Lessons learned from the use of the Hyogo Framework for Action Monitor;
  • Challenges and opportunities in developing an international monitoring system which builds on national monitoring mechanisms;
  • Implication of global targets and indicators for national and local disaster risk reduction strategies having targets and indicators;
  • Coherence and mutual reinforcement with the SDGs’ indicators and other relevant international monitoring mechanisms.

Panelists’ considerations will be based on the Sendai Framework’s targets; existing disaster risk reduction indicators; national and international practice and lessons learnt in measuring progress on the Hyogo Framework for Action; targets and indicators discussed by the Inter-agency and Expert Group on Sustainable Development Goals. The UNISDR-facilitated “Indicators to Monitor Global Targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030: A Technical Review” will serve as a background document.

5.40-5.50pm Conclusion SRSG Wahlström
5.50-6pm Closing of informal meetings and information update on formal session SRSG Wahlström and secretariat

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