About the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Global Platform for Disaster Reduction was established in 2007 as a biennial forum for information exchange, discussion of latest development and knowledge and partnership building across sectors, with the goal to improve implementation of disaster risk reduction through better communication and coordination amongst stakeholders. The Global Platform is organized by UNISDR, the UN's office for disaster risk reduction and secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction is now the world's foremost gathering of stakeholders committed to reducing disaster risk and building the resilience of communities and nations.

The Fourth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster risk Reduction aims to continue the momentum of the prior Global Platform meetings, into a durable and sustained effort from all actors (governments, NGOs and civil society, international agencies and organizations, academic and technical institutions, and the private sector) to take shared responsibility in reducing risks and reinforcing resilience in our communities. The Fourth Session will also be an opportunity to progress and consult on the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA).

The Fourth Session of the Global Platform will be held in Geneva at the International Conference Centre from Sunday 19 May to Thursday 23 May 2013. Sunday 19 May will be reserved for a preparation day. Monday 20 May will be a day for innovative dialogue.

The official agenda for the 4th Session will be from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 May.

Key outcomes to achieve during the Fourth Session include:

  • A stronger and more sustainable ISDR movement world-wide that leads to increased responsibility for reinforcing resilience to disasters.
  • A dynamic and trend-setting forum for decision makers, partners, experts and practitioners to announce initiatives, launch products, share information, promote campaigns, and provide evidence around disaster risk reduction.
  • Directions and new alliances for the development and use of new tools and methodologies aimed at understanding and applying the economics and investment in disaster risk reduction.
  • A forum to discuss progress and consult over a post-Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA).
  • Events that follow-up and progress on the 2011 Global Platform (examples may include an update on disaster loss in schools and hospitals, accounting for disaster losses, the status of National Platforms, and progress of the Children's Charter for Disaster Risk Reduction).
  • Priorities and directions reflected in the outcome document - the Chair's Summary.

Key regional meetings

Regional organizations and platforms are key to advancing disaster risk reduction.

These regional structures, including ministerial conferences and sub-regional inter-governmental initiatives, are increasingly taking ownership for disaster risk reduction actions and following up on the Hyogo Framework for Action.

Read more about key regional meetings >>
Find out how to participate remotely >>