Update to participants

Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, 8-13 May 2011 Geneva, Switzerland Preparations are underway for the Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), Rue de Varembé 17, Geneva, Switzerland from 8-13 May 2011. Please note that the official opening and plenary sessions will begin on Tuesday 10 May.

The Global Platform is an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of prevention measures and building resilience in our communities to reduce the impact of disasters. We hope to welcome the UN Secretary General to the Global Platform 2011.

The theme for the Third Session of the Global Platform is ‘Invest Today for a Safer Tomorrow: Increased Investment in Local Action’. There are also three main topics to underpin the theme on:
1) Recovering and Reducing Risks after Disasters - World Reconstruction Conference (co-hosted by the World Bank); 2) the Economics of Disaster Risk Reduction; and, 3) Strengthening Alliances for Climate Change Adaptation and Development. The 2011 Global Platform will include: opening and closing ceremonies, plenary sessions, roundtables, informal plenary, special and side events and a market place. There is also time set aside for preparatory, pre-session events, and closed meetings on 8 and 9 May.

For your information, please see attached copy of the invitation that had been sent in December 2010. Updates and information, including the Second Announcement of the Third Session and practical guidance, are placed on the website. Registration is open until 20 April 2011 via the website. The hotel accommodation in Geneva will be very tight, so it will be
important to book immediately. We have arranged an agreement with American Express in Geneva to assist with accommodation. For participants and delegates whose travel is not paid for by the UNISDR, American Express will charge CHF (Swiss Francs) 35 per reservation, to be paid by credit card.

Participants are expected to cover there own costs. The UNISDR is seeking additional resources to cover some of the costs for a limited number of country representatives (aiming for one delegate per least developed and most disaster-vulnerable country). We suggest delegations to the Global Platform include high-level representatives and stakeholders from different sectors that can contribute to the discussions. We particularly welcome the participation of local government and community representatives.

The Third Session of the Global Platform promises to be the most dynamic and forward looking event in disaster reduction to date. We look forward to your participation.

Neil McFarlane
Coordinator for the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction