Activity Report： Themes & Issues >> Participation in Conference

June 6-8, 2017 (Brussels, Belgium)

The International Recovery Platform (IRP) had actively participated in the third edition of the World Reconstruction Conference (WRC3), 6-8 June 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. IRP extended support in organizing and documenting a number of independent sessions, including: (i) An Update from 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction; (ii) Livelihood Recovery and Social Protection; (iii) Private Sector as a Key Partner in Preparedness, Response and Recovery; (iv) Preparing and Planning for Recovery - Strengthening Institutions and Capacities; and (v) Policies and Institutional Arrangements for Recovery.

The discussions at the sessions demonstrated how the concept of "build back better", which is highlighted in Priority Four of the Sendai Framework, can be implemented in transformative manner that reduces risks and builds resilience - and mindful that the next disaster may be of different nature from the previous one. Based on a number of experiences shared at the sessions, it was explicitly shown that build back better is not only about upgrading infrastructure with disaster resilient construction technologies but also about stronger governance systems, improved basic services, diversified livelihoods for people, and better social protection mechanisms for the poor and vulnerable families. To build back better, it is critical to understand the underlying causes of failures and to take the opportunity in recovery phase to address those failures such as through risk-informed land use planning and improved build standards and enforcement. There are many factors that can contribute to a successful build back better effort by governments, including enhancing the:

• Ability to develop specific institutional, policy, and legal frameworks for recovery process
• Capacity to support recovery interventions efficiently and effectively so that these sustainable
• Ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders that support and bring financial and technical resources to implement recovery programs

It was affirmed in the plenaries and sessions that one of the contributory factors to achieve "resilient recovery" (the overarching theme of WRC3) is the degree of preparation for recovery. Put simply, "preparedness for recovery" - as promoted in countries like India, Japan, USA, and New Zealand that have developed a well-planned and a well-resourced institutional and financial system - means putting in place the following instruments prior to disaster:

• Institutions, policies, and laws on recovery
• Financial mechanisms for recovery
• Dedicated personnel and resources for recovery

At the final day of the WRC3, this question was debated: What can we do to make recovery resilient? Obviously a generic solution is not possible because recovery is a complex and integrated process. As already known based on past experiences, various factors need to be considered to make recovery resilient such as: (i) preparedness and readiness to recover; (ii) context and capacity; (iii) systems and institutions; (iv) localization; and (v) inclusiveness or "all of us". The complexity of recovery process may call for context-specific strategies and actions for resilience. For instance the World Bank, in the context of urban resilience, suggested the following actions to make recovery resilient for cities and urban communities:

• Prepare the community, e.g. raising awareness and drills
• Build institutions, e.g. recovery agency/department
• Create a financing system, e.g. financing facility for recovery
• Invest in recovery, e.g. mitigation efforts
• Social protection, e.g. inclusion of vulnerable groups in the whole process

As way forward, the participants at the WRC3 may take the cue from message of the European Union Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis who recommended three key action points:

• Strengthen Resilience
• Understand Risk
• Work with Private Sector

(2017/06/14 14:40)

Cancun, Mexico (May 22-26, 2017)

With the overarching theme "From Commitment to Action", the International Recovery Platform/Asian Disaster Reduction Center (IRP/ADRC) had actively engaged in the fifth session of the Global Platform by: (i) putting up a booth at the Market Place, (ii) delivering a talk at the Ignite stage; and (iii) organizing a side event in line with Priority Four of the Sendai Framework. The IRP/ADRC events were aimed at advocating for:

• Closer cooperation with development partners, regional intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations, and regional platforms for disaster risk reduction by promoting effective build back better outcomes
• Wider dissemination and information sharing of knowledge and experiences on build back better in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction

The outcomes of these events contributed to the Chair's Summary, which addressed the priority action areas that emerged from the meeting.

IRP/ADRC Booth at the Market Place
The booth featured knowledge products (e.g. guidance notes and tools) on build back better and resilient recovery. The materials were drawn from IRP members and partners. At the end of the global, the following were achieved:

 IRP/ADRC Ignite Stage Presentation

IRP/ADRC Side Event
The IRP/ADRC Side Event was jointly organized with JICA. In this session, innovative programs on build back better - as presented by the speakers from JICA, India, and Guatemala - commonly highlighted "good governance of recovery process" as one of key factors for successful implementation. To achieve this, the following actions were specified.

(2017/05/31 14:40)

Mashhad, Iran (March 6-8, 2017)

In response to the invitation extended by the Mashhad Disaster Management Department, ADRC/IRP sent representative to the 8th Asian Safe Community Conference, 6-8 March 2017 in Mashhad, Iran. The representative imparted the message that "recovery is an opportunity to strengthen safe community agenda". Injuries and deaths are commonly exacerbated in times of disaster, especially if infrastructures like housing, buildings, roads, and offices are weak or vulnerable to hazards. To help build a safer community, past mistakes and failures can be corrected and mitigated during the recovery phase. Several case studies from around the globe were shared at the conference to illustrate the concept of build back better and to strengthen safer community programs. 
 

   (2017/03/16 14:40)

24-26 October 2016 (Cebu City, Philippines)

19-22 September 2016 (Beijing, China)

<First Day: 19th September>
The key officials at the inauguration included: Mr. Benjie Yin (Deputy Director, General Office of China National Commission on Disaster Reduction) who delivered the opening remarks; Ms. Mei Chai (Deputy Director-General, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Civil Affairs) who served as moderator; and Dr. Shirish Ravan (Secretary-General, UN-SPIDER Beijing Office) who provided an overview of sessions to be covered in the three-day program.
 The sessions of the first day were "Building on UN-SPIDER 10 Years' Achievements" and "Risk Assessment and Mapping Using Earth Observation Data". There was presentation prior to each of these topics' discussions. In second session for instance, the value of radar sensing on satellite technology was highly evaluated, and  the accuracy of drought prediction was discussed, which needs to be improved through observation and data accumulation.

<Second Day: 20th September>
The morning sessions of the second day were "Access to Data and Information for Risk Assessment" and "National Spatial Data Infrastructure and Data Framework to Support Disaster Management". The morning sessions highlighted the contribution of satellite data for flood and drought monitoring and prediction. Hence, initiatives such as the introduction of "GAOFEN", with series of high resolution earth observation satellite system in China, needs to be effectively promoted.
In the afternoon, three breakout sessions were organized, namely: "Monitoring indicators against the global targets of the Sendai Framework", "Procedural guidelines for sharing space-based information during emergency response", and "Crowd-source Mapping for risk assessment and emergency response". ADRC representative participated in the second breakout session, and reported the importance of proactive participation in learning events and capacity building enhancement in each country to facilitate sharing of space-based information.

<Third Day: 21th September>
The morning session of the third day was about "Networking and Engagement with the UN-SPIDER Network", where reports from Regional Support Offices (RSOs), including ADRC, as well as country reports were presented. In the afternoon, two separate site visits were organized - one group visiting the National Disaster Reduction Center of China (NDRCC) and the other group visiting the Yungang Satellite Earth Station. ADRC representative joined the first group that also visited the UN-SPIDER Beijing Office.

After the conference, the ADRC representative took the opportunity to visit his colleague of the NDRCC in the morning (9:30 - 11:00) of following day to discuss further strengthening of ADRC-NDRCC cooperation. She is the former ADRC Visiting Researcher(FY 2007) and is currently Director of Data Center, Satellite Application Center for Disaster Reduction at NDRCC.
In the afternoon (12:30 - 14:00) of the same day, a visit to the Executive Director of the Integrated Research on Disaster Risk (IRDR) was also made to explore ways for collaboration and cooperation in improving collection of information.
Participation in this conference has helped to strengthen ADRC organizational networks with relevant countries and organizations as well as build wider human relations.

(2016/09/23 19:30)

20-21 February 2016 (Lima, Peru)

Before opening, participants dedicated one minute silence for the victims of Kaohsiung Earthquake on February 6th, 2016, in Taiwan as well as those by the other natural disasters since the last EPWG meeting last year. The meeting was opened by welcoming remarks by General A.Murgueytio, Institutional Chief of the National Institute of Civil Defense, INDIECI, Peru followed by opening remarks by two newly elected co-chairs, one from Vietna and another from Japan, ED of ADRC. The focus of the meeting was placed first on the draft 2016 work plan that was agreed on the second day, and then draft action plan to implement APEC disaster Risk Reduction Framework(DRRF) that had been endorsed last October by SDMOF and adopted by APEC Economic Leaders to facilitate collective work in building adaptive and disaster-resilient economies facing increasing frequency, magnitude and scope of natural disasters. The meeting reviewed also　the Intersessional works undertaken in 2015 and discussed diverse cross fora activities. On 29 February 2016, the annual meeting of the SOM Steering Committee on ECOTECH Committee of the Whole (SCE-COW) was held in Lima as well.

(2016-02-20 12:30)

17-19 November 2015 (New Delhi, India)

ADRC participated in the "Asian Leaders' meeting towards implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia", and the "2nd ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting of 2015" , held during 17-19 November 2015, New Delhi, India.
On the first day in the morning, the "Asian Leaders' meeting towards implementation of the SFDRR in Asia", a senior level meeting took place, which was attended many political leaders in Asia.

29-30 October 2015 (Taipei, Taiwan)

ADRC participated in an APEC workshop focusing on big data and open data application to emergency preparedness, as a co-chair of EPWG. The workshop was attended by more than 20 participants from APEC economies, universities and research organizations including Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. 

The workshop was opened by a statement by Mr. Chien, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Science and Technology of Chinese Taipei, followed by a keynote by Mr. Stone, Assistant Administrator for National Continuity Programs, Federal Emergency Management Agency U.S. Department of Homeland Security, focusing on "Best Practices for Alert and Warning Systems, Leveraging Public Private Partnership". Another keynote was then delivered by Dr. Li, Co-Chair of EPWG and Secretary General, National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction on topic of Enhancing Regional Digital Preparedness on Natural Hazards - The Application of Science and Technology in DRR Decision-Making."

ADRC attended the first two sessions on the 1st day. Session 1: "Big datasets for disaster risk reduction"  highlighted some best practices of the digital emergency preparedness, in preparing and collecting big dataset to mitigate adverse impacts brought by disasters. In the session 2: "Regional projects to improve digital emergency preparedness", ADRC reported , after summerising recent government policy development on big data and open data in general, about diverse efforts in Japan to strengthen institutional information sharing among the relevant ministries regarding disaster relief activities.Three sessions as follows took place as well: (3) Practical applications of big data or open data, (4) Synergies with industry, private sector and crowd sourcing, and (5) Challenges to embrace the new trend. Data collections are the basic digital emergency preparedness to mitigate adverse impacts brought by disasters.

(2015/09/18 12:30)

22-23 September 2015 (Iloilo City, Philippines)

ADRC attended an APEC senior level meeting on disaster management, as a co-chair of EPWG. The meeting was hosted by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippines. The Forum was attended by APEC economies, private sector, non-government organizations and so on. The meeting raised diverse topics on DRR and contributed to sharing of best practices of the various member-economies. From Japan, Mr.Y. HYOTANI, Deputy Director-General for Disaster Management Bureau, Cabinet Office, made a presentation titled " Protecting the Economic Interests from the Disasters" focusing mainly on the economic impacts by the Great East Japan earthquake and the recovery from it.　As an output of the Forum, the 'APEC Disaster Risk Reduction Framework', a policy document to address disasters and the "new normal" to be faced with the member economies, was discussed, which was endorsed in mid-October, then in November endorsed by the Joint Ministerial Statement and adopted by APEC Economic Leaders.

（2015/09/22 12:30）

18-19 September 2015 (Ha Long city, Vietnam)

ADRC attended the APEC Workshop on community-based disaster risk management in response to climate change held in Ha Long city, Vietnam on September 18-19.
The workshop was jointly organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Quang Ninh provincial People's Committee. as one of the initiatives by Vietnam in preparation for the country's hosting of the 25th APEC Summit in 2017.
The workshop, attended by around 100 participants from member economies, focused on community based disaster management efforts of member economies as well as those of international organsations, and adopted a summary report, the essence of which was presented at the  9th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum, held 22-23 September 2015 in Iloilo City, Philippines.

ADRC made a presentation in the Session 2 titled "Innovative approaches to investment and technology" chaired by USAID and raised some steps after Sendai, including those towards World Tsunami Day, Community-based DM well adapted to the ageing and urbanising Asia, and better bridging of scientific and locally based knowledge. ADRC also delivered a closing remark of the workshop as a co-chair.

(2015/09/18 12:30)

25 February 2015 (Manila, Philippines)

"Preparatory Meeting for Resilience Conference on Earthquake", hosted by the Carlos P. Romulo Foundation for Peace and Development, co-hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation and the Manila Observatory, was held in Manila, Philippines on 25 February 2015.  As a cooperation of this meeting, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The meeting's over 90 participants included government officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, managers from private sector and experts from international organizations.

During his presentation titled "Reconstruction, Recovery and Preparedness: Lessons Learned from Japan's Experience--Towards Comprehensive Disaster Management in the Philippines and Japan--", Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, highly appreciated every effort made by both public and private sectors toward possible earthquakes in the Metro Manila. Similar to Japan's situation, it has been widely recognized in the Philippines that the Government and local enterprises need to promote the public-private partnership and multi-stakeholder approach towards effective regional disaster mitigation/prevention and reconstruction/recovery. Mr. Kouchi also stressed that  IRP have been working closely with many stakeholders in the Philippines, and ADRC/IRP will seek possibilities of providing technical assistance for the Philippines' preparation efforts towards future earthquakes.

With the concept of "Building Back Better than Before", IRP would like to make continuous efforts for realization of disaster-resilient society and communities in the Metro Manila region, by sharing Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons learned from the past. For more information, please contact Kouchi (kouchi@receoveryplatform.org).

(2015/2/27 14:50)

Taipei, Taiwan (October 27-31, 2014)

ADRC had actively supported the 2014 International Training Workshop (ITW) which was organized by the National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction (NCDR), 27-31 October 2014 at the NCDR Training Center, Taipei, Taiwan. The workshop was aimed at sharing experiences and lessons on post-disaster recovery, especially from countries that experienced mega-disasters. 

Along with speakers from various organizations and countries, ADRC had shared experiences on post-disaster recovery. In particular, ADRC Executive Director Mr. Kiyoshi Natori presented the "Recovery and Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011" highlighting the challenges on post-disaster recovery and how these challenges were addressed, including applying the lessons from past disasters as well as integrating the emerging lessons from current disasters such as considering the "wisdom of local community" in disaster risk reduction.  Additionally, a researcher at ADRC also shared some of the existing "Tools and Guidance in Building Back Better" emphasizing ADRC's experience in disseminating knowledge on recovery.

ADRC's presentations had contributed in achieving one of the key objectives of the workshop, which is to collect, analyze, and apply trans-boundary knowledge and lessons on recovery. Based on the presentations from countries in Asia and the Pacific as well as Latin America, the elements for organizing effective recovery were identified - especially in the areas of infrastructure/housing reconstruction, livelihood revitalization, and psychosocial wellness. The sharing of knowledge and experiences was reinforced with a one-day field visit to the Chi‐Chi Earthquake Museum (9.21 Museum) and Nantou County, which showcased the recovery efforts from the 1999 earthquake and the recovery of Sacred Wood Community from the 2009 Typhoon Morakot, respectively.

The 2014 ITW was an opportunity to forward collaboration and interdisciplinary discussions on post-disaster recovery. It explored actions that promote further investment in DRR and emergency preparedness through development of new technology and upgrading of infrastructures to make them more resilient.

(2014/11/7 14:40)

20-24 October 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

ADRC participated in the 9th Integrated Workshop of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat on 20-24 October 2014. The more than 80 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, D.P.R. Korea, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, US, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions.

The participants discussed their approaches of "Synergized, Integrated, Collaborative Standard Operating Procedures Strategies to Improve Early Warning System for Coastal Multi-hazards" which was the main theme of the meeting. And reports were given on the typhoon damage sustained in each country, as well as on the current year's activities. These included the project on Synergized Standard Operating Procedures for Coastal Multi-hazards Early Warning System (SSOP), in which ADRC is involved.

For the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, it was also considered that the participation in the "UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction" at Sendai, Japan on March 2015 as the Typhoon Committee.

The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups covering meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction. This time, the three working group meetings were held together as an integrated event.

For more information, visit the Typhoon Committee website:
http://www.typhooncommittee.org/9IWS/

(2014/10/28 19:40)

ADRC participated in the Second Regional Ministerial Conference of Disaster Management Authorities in Central Asia under the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic on 18-19 September 2014. This conference, organized by the government of Japan, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic, and UNDP Kyrgyzstan, aimed to discuss the possible creation of a high level forum for disaster management authorities involved in DRR under the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue. The participants included representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the Embassy of Japan in the Kyrgyz Republic, JICA, and other international organizations.
     During the conference, participants discussed the most urgent DRR issues facing the region as well as future opportunities for cooperation. ADRC presented information on the outcomes of DRR programs conducted in various Central Asian countries, and identified needs and areas for future DRR cooperation in the region.
     At the end of the two-day conference, the participants agreed to establish and regularly convene a forum for the heads of the disaster management authorities in Central Asia for discussing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation in reducing, preventing, and responding to disaster risks. In addition, an expert level working group of disaster management authorities in Central Asia will be established to support this forum.

(2014/9/26 14:40)

14 August 2014 (Manila, Philippines)

The ASEAN High-Level Conference on Assistance for the Recovery of Yolanda-Affected Areas (ARYA), hosted by the Government of the Philippines, co-hosted by the ASEAN, was held in Manila, Philippines on 14 August 2014.  As a cooperation of this conference, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The conference's over 200 participants included government officials from ASEAN member countries, disaster managers across the Philippines and experts from international organizations.
During his statement in plenary session titled "Role of Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) towards Recovery of Typhoon Yolanda -What we have done so far, and what we can do now and on", Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, highly appreciated every effort made by the Government and people of the Philippine since the occurrence of the disaster. Similar to Japan's situation, it has been widely recognized in the Philippines that Government and people need to promote multi-stakeholder approach towards effective disaster mitigation/prevention and reconstruction/recovery. Mr. Kouchi also stressed that ADRC and IRP have been working closely with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and many stakeholders in the Philippines, and ADRC/IRP will seek possibilities of providing technical assistance for the Philippines' recovery and rehabilitation efforts of Yolanda-affected communities to enhance current efforts of the government.
With the concept of "Building Back Better than Before", ADRC would like to make continuous efforts for realization of disaster-resilient society and communities across the Asian region, by sharing Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons learned from the past. For more information, please contact Kouchi (kouchi@receoveryplatform.org).

(2014/08/29 14:50)

The 8th Senior Disaster Management Officials Forum (SDMOF), was held on August 11-12, 2014, Beijing, China.

Representatives and experts from APEC economies and international agencies gathered for this forum (APEC-funded project led by China) under the theme: 'Science and technology strengthening disaster risk reduction,'

Participants shared experiences and best practices under following topics: Innovative role of science and technology in disaster preparedness; Science and technology strengthens efficiency in emergency response; Science and technology enables rehabilitation for increased resiliency; and International and regional cooperation on science and technology application for disaster risk reduction.

22-27 June 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

   On occasion of the Sixth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (6AMCDRR), a biennial conference in Asia to ensure political and stakeholder's commitment towards disaster risk reduction implementation, the International Recovery Platform (IRP) organized a side event
"Investing in Recovery for Resilience: Articulating Recovery in HFA2" was organized on June 24, 2014 at Lotus 4, Bangkok Convention Center at Centara Grand.  Following the opening and special remarks by Mr. Kaoru Saito, Director of Cabinet Office, Japan, with panelists coming from diverse backgrounds, including Atty. Violeta Seva of Makati City (Philippines), Prof. Santosh Kumar of SAARC Disaster Management Center (SDMC), Mr. Tadao Hasue and Ms. Kumi Onuma of Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), and Ms. Ana Cristina Thorlund of International Recovery Platform (IRP), past experiences were highlighted to draw insights. The moderator Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Member of Parliament Bangladesh, raised the broad question: What will be the critical recommendations to adequately articulate recovery in HFA2?
   After consolidating all the inputs from speakers and audience, the side event came up with the following key recommendations:

- Institutionalizing recovery functions in national and local governance systems
- Ensuring financial predictability for recovery programs and activities
- Strengthening coordination of recovery actors as well as considering the trans- boundary nature of recovery
- Recognizing human security as an essential foundation for effective recovery
- Developing concrete and measurable indicators to monitor progress of implementation and achievement of recovery goals

   In view of these recommendations, it was suggested that the future role of IRP may consider acting as a global mechanism for cooperation in the areas of recovery. Its task may include providing technical support on recovery for subnational governments, contributing to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs), offering technical support on recovery from technological disasters or conflicts, and ensuring seamless integration of recovery in with development plans.
   Three key conclusions were reached at the end of the session. Firstly, recovery should be adequately articulated in HFA2 so that governments can have general guidance in implementing recovery programs. Secondly, recovery (seen as an opportunity to build back better) must also be aligned with the sustainable development goals. Finally, recovery needs further advocacy at the policy and legislative levels to outline clear measures for monitoring progress as well clear roles of government departments and units in implementing recovery programs. 
   The event was concluded successfully with the closing remarks by Mr. Kiyoshi Natori, Executive Director of ADRC.

   The IRP booth showcased various knowledge products including Guidance Notes on Recovery, newsletters, thematic reports, brochures, and materials on recovery from IRP partners. In addition, the works and activities of IRP are presented in attractive posters that caught the attention of many delegates at the conference. the Secretariat pursued wider dissemination of IRP products and services as well as building and strengthening partnerships.

   Following the 6AMCDRR, the IRP Secretariat participated in the workshop on "Job-rich Recovery after Natural Disasters: Lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake" organized by ILO Asia-Pacific Office on 27 June 2014 at the United Nations Convention Center in Bangkok.
   The objectives of the workshop included raising awareness of the relevance of employment and social protection policies in the contexts of disaster risk prevention and post-disaster reconstruction; sharing experiences, lessons, and good practices generated from the reconstruction process in Japan since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake; and identifying strategies for further enhancing knowledge on job-rich disaster risk prevention and reconstruction practice in Asia and the Pacific. The participants who attended the workshop were experts and practitioners in employment policy, social protection, and disaster risk management from selected governments, humanitarian, and development assistance organizations in Asia and the Pacific. 

4-5 June 2014 (Gabala, Azerbaijan)

ADRC has participated in the 7th ECO (Economic Cooperation Organization) International Conference on Disaster Risk Management held in Gabala, Azerbaijan on 4-5 June 2014. This conference was organized by the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan, together with ECO Secretariat. This conference provided the delegates of ECO Member States and experts from UN agencies, international organizations and academic and scientific institutions to discuss and share experiences on disaster risk reduction for better cooperation in the ECO region. In the ECO Member States, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are the ADRC's member countries.

Following the presentations and speeches from the heads of delegations, various organizations such as UNOCHA, UNESCAP, GIZ, Central Asian Institute for Applied Geosciences (CAIAG) and ADPC, etc. introduced their efforts for disaster risk reduction in the region. ADRC made a presentation on its roles in Asia, as well as the programs that member countries from Central and Caucasus can be benefitted, namely the Visiting Researcher Program, the JICA training for Central Asia and Caucasus, and the Peer Review Project.

At the end of the conference, all the participants confirmed that a holistic approach combining policy, operational and scientific levels would contribute to more effective and efficient disaster risk management in the region. ADRC believes that this is crucial not only in this region, but also in other part of Asia.

(2014/06/17 16:50)

4-6 June 2014 (Manila, Philippines)

19 March 2014 (Perth, Australia)

(2014/04/01 14:50)

10-13 February 2014 (Bangkok, Thailand)

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), participated in the 46th Session of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, Thai Meteorological Department in Bangkok on 10-13 February 2014.

The more than 70 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, US, Viet Nam, and the Hong Kong/Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions.

The participants discussed action plan of this committee's three working groups on meteorology, hydrology and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in the next year as well as their activities in the last year.

And the progress of SSOP (Synergized Standard Operating Procedures for Coastal Multi-Hazards Early Warning System) project with which ADRC involves also reported in this session.

Furthermore, regarding the Typhoon Haiyan which raged in the last year, the delegates of Philippines gave a presentation of the damage and the recovery states, and WMO etc reported the assistance for them such as the provision of the typhoon information.

As a result, we had a fruitful discussion such as the enhancement of cooperation among member countries.

For more information, visit
http://www.typhooncommittee.org/46th/index.html

 (2014/2/10 19:40)

1-5 December 2013, Macao

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), participated in the 8th Integrated Workshop in conjunction with the 2nd Training and Research Coordination Group Forum of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, the Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau in Macao on 2-4 December 2013. The more than 100 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from Cambodia, China, D.P.R. Korea, Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, US, Viet Nam, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions. The participants discussed their approaches of"Forecasting, Warning and DRR Strategies in the Mitigation of Tropical Cyclone Impact in a Multi-hazard Environment" which was the main theme of the meeting.
For the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, Japan's Cabinet Office gave a presentation on the damage caused by typhoons in 2013 and on ADRC activities such as the Visiting Researcher Program.
Furthermore, regarding the Typhoon Haiyan, the delegates of Philippines and Vietnam gave a presentation of the damage and the current states, and WMO and Japan Meteorological Agency, etc reported the assistance for them such as the provision of the typhoon information. As a result, we had a fruitful discussion such as the enhancement of cooperation among member countries.
The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction. In this time, the three working groups and the Training and Research Coordination Group Forum was held together as an integrated event.
For more information, visit http://www.typhooncommittee.org/8IWS_2TRCG/8IWS_2TRCG.html

(2013/12/6 19:40)

27-29 November 2013 (Bangkok, Thailand)  

The third session of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, from 27 to 29 November 2013.

As a cooperation of this committee, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The forum's many participants included officials from UNESCAP member countries, and experts from intergovernmental organizations.

During the session titled "Item 4: Mainstreaming disaster risk reduction into development", Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, valued the Government and people of UNESCAP member countries' high ability to promote recovery and reconstruction efforts following each large-scale disasters. Mr. Kouchi also noted that ADRC and IRP have long been in help to ADRC member countries' efforts to utilize Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons related to disaster risk reduction. Among those is three month-long Visiting Researcher (VR) Program, a capacity building program which ADRC offers government officials, and we are pleased to observe many former VRs are now playing a central role at their ministries in charge of disaster management.

Mr. Kouch also emphasized the importance of everyday preparedness by citizens, in addition to the government efforts, when a massive disaster strikes. In this connection, the two big events; ADRC's "Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction" to be held in Tokyo, Japan in 4-6 March 2014, and IRP's "International Recovery Forum" to be held in Kobe, Japan in 21 January 2014, will show the evidence of progress of disaster reduction and preparedness toward the next UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in 2015.

(2013/12/12 14:30)

5-7 November 2013 (Bagan, Myanmar)

Upon the request of ASEAN Secretariat, IRP/ADRC participated in the ASEAN Workshop on Recovery Planning, 5-7 November 2013 at Aye Yar River View Resort in Bagan, Myanmar. The event was aimed at reviewing the progress as well as identifying the gaps/challenges of the Recovery Component of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Work Program. The ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) formed a Working Group on Recovery comprising Myanmar and Indonesia as co-chairs and Brunei and Philippines as members. One of the functions of the Working Group is to develop a Toolbox on Recovery to be used by member states in recovery planning.

The toolbox is envisioned as (i) repository of practices and experiences on recovery of ASEAN Member States; (ii) compilation of best practices and other related resources; (iii) recovery guidelines; (iv) capacity building tools and activities; and (v) mechanisms for coordination and resource mobilization. To contribute in achieving this vision, IRP/ADRC shared tools and guidance as well as relevant materials on recovery planning, including guidance notes, recovery planning module, and case studies from around the globe.

As a way forward, IRP/ADRC committed to provide technical assistance to the ACDM's Working Group on Recovery, if needed.

(2013/11/11 14:40)

5-7 Nov, 2013 (Bangkok, Thailand)

The 2nd ISDR Asia Partnership meeting for the year 2013 was held on 05-07 November 2013 in Bangkok, Thailand. The main focus of this IAP was discussion on the substantive preparation of the 6th Asia Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR); engagement processes for stakeholder groups and partners in the AMCDRR and World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR); and the HFA2 (Future DRR framework) consultation and background preparation for the HFA2 input from the region.

At the meeting, ADRC expressed its contribution to the substantive in the "key area" such as "reducing exposure/underlying risk factors" and "incentive for private sector in DRR", and to the consultation process through "the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction".

(2013/11/15 13:00)

ADRC participated in the Saudi International Conference on Crisis and Disaster Management which was organized by Imamu University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 8-9 Sep 2013.

Recently, disaster becomes a major concern with global dimensions, this conference was held to obtain knowledge of the civil protection policies by inviting experts from various countries.

At the conference, about 40 experts of Crisis and Disaster management, who came from Australia, Egypt, German, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, USA, as well as representatives of the organizer and so on, gave lectures on topics such as "Modern Technologies for Crisis Management" and "Critical Assessment of Disaster Vulnerabilities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" to about 500 listeners (government officials, students, etc).

During this conference, the ADRC representative gave a presentation titled as "Lessons Learnt from the Great East Japan Earthquake", and introduced the efficacy of Disaster Prevention Education, and our activities regarding that. This presentation drew the interest of the audience and some stressed that the importance of Disaster Prevention Education and the necessity to enhance the public awareness to DRR in Saudi Arabia.

 (2013/09/13 19:40)  

The ADRC joined the JICA Follow-Up Seminar "Comprehensive Disaster Management" held at the Center of Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction (CESDRR) in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 14-15 August 2013. This seminar was held to follow up the efforts of JICA training course "Comprehensive Disaster Management for Central Asia and the Caucasus" that ADRC has been conducting together with JICA Kansai. In addition, for further transferring Japan's experience and expertise regarding disaster risk management, it focused on a few themes, namely "Seismic Safety of Buildings," "Community Based Disaster Risk Management (CBDRM)" and "Operation of regional disaster management center," which Kazakh Government is interested in. Approximately 40 participants including the Vice Mayor of Almaty City, national and local government officials of Ministry of Emergency Situations and Almaty City, and researchers from KazNIISA (Agency for Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Republic of Kazakhstan) and other institutions.

In the seminar, the ADRC introduced the efforts for CBDRM taken place in Japan, including voluntary organizations for disaster prevention, disaster education and awareness raising activities. Furthermore, the ADRC shared the information on its activities since its establishment in 1998, as well as the management of a regional center as a humble guide for operating the new CESDRR which was agreed with the establishment between the governments of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in May 2013.

Seminar participants might have a difficulty to understand Japanese disaster management system, however we believe that they understand well the importance of retrofitting of buildings, as well as the concept of "Self Help," "Mutual Help" and "Public Help." The ADRC also learnt a lot from the Kazakh experiences on DRR through this seminar. We are looking forward to further working with JICA and the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Kazakhstan, as well as CESDRR in the near future.

(2013/09/05 16:50)

29-30 May 2013 Seoul, KOREA

ADRC participated in the 8th Meeting of Typhoon Committee Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction which was jointly organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, and the National Emergency Management Agency of the Republic of Korea in Seoul on 29-30 May 2013.
The about 30 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives from the organizing institutions and so on.
During the meeting, participants discussed future activities of the working group, such as "Synergized Standard Operating Procedures for Coastal Multi-hazards Early Warning System (SSOP)" project which cooperates　with ADRC, and strengthening international cooperation, etc.
The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction.

(2013/06/03 19:40)

23 May 2013, Geneva, Switzerland

The IRP secretariat and the Cabinet Office of Japan organized the forum "Lessons on Recovery from Mega-Disasters" with the participation of 124 people from ADRC, IRP partners, international and regional institutions, governments and NGOs, etc. The forum was also organized as the last session of the Expert Group Meetings on the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) which had been held fourth times since 2011 by IRP with the Cabinet Office of Japan, ADRC and UN organizations, and the completion of the Recovery Status Report on the GEJE in which IRP has compiled experiences and lessons from the GEJE in corporation with Tohoku and Kobe University, etc. was announced in the forum.
Following the opening remark by Mr. Yoshitami Kameoka, Parliamentary Secretary of the Cabinet Office of Japan, and the message from Mr. Toshizo Ido, Governor of Hyogo Prefecture, delivered by Mr. Akinori Sugimoto, Superintendent for Disaster Management of Hyogo Prefecture, Prof. Yasuo Tanaka of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Emeritus Professor of Kobe University) moderated a panel discussion with experts serving as panelists, namely: Mr. Roger Sutton, Chief Executive, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA), New Zealand; Prof. Yoshimitsu Shiozaki, Ritsumeikan University (Emeritus Professor of Kobe University), Japan; Mr. David Trissell, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), USA, and Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Nadeem Ahmed, Former Chairman, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Pakistan. Each panelist made a presentation on recovery experiences and good practices of each country.
Mr. Roger Sutton highlighted the importance of speed in decision making as well as in reconstructing to avoid greater economic lost. He also mentioned the relevance of community engagement and strong institutional arrangements at time of recovery and reconstruction.
In the case of Japan, Prof. Yoshimitsu Shiozaki shared the recovery and reconstruction efforts from the Great East Japan Earthquake. One of the key observations during the recovery process is the engagement of private sector.
The United States of America, as presented by Mr. David Trissell, is one of those countries that developed the Recovery Framework. The framework proved to be useful, especially during the recovery from Hurricane Sandy. One of the core principles of the Recovery Framework is the "Pre-Disaster Recovery Planning" which sets forth the recovery support functions (RSF) even before the disaster happens.
In Pakistan, as reported Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Nadeem Ahmed, experiments were made to assess whether Recovery Framework can facilitate a more effective reconstruction. NDMA compared a Pakistan's disaster in which a recovery framework was put in place with the one in which there was no recovery framework. After observing the results, it was concluded that management of recovery under a recovery framework is more resilient and effective. It implies that recovery framework can significantly improve the governance of recovery efforts.
They further explored measures for integrating recovery in development planning as well as efforts towards effective recovery strategy and frameworks, and also highlighted the key strategic recommendations on recovery for HFA2.
IRP/ADRC also took advantage of disseminating its brochures and publications to the participants in the GP at the Market Place. In particular, Recovery Status Report on the Great East Japan Earthquake, along with other recovery reports and guidance notes on recovery, was showcased at the marketplace.

(2013/05/23 14:30)

21-23 May 2013 (Geneva, Switzerland)

Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) and International Recovery Platform (IRP) participated on the 4th Global Platform for Disaster Reduction (GP), hosted by UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), from 21 to 23 May 2013, held at the International Conference Centre Geneva, Switzerland. The 4th GP brought together over 3,500 participants from 171 countries with participation from national and local governments, inter-governmental organizations, non-government organizations, business, academics and communities.

The aim of the 4th GP is to continue the momentum into a durable and sustained effort from all actors to take shared responsibility in reducing risks and reinforcing resilience in our communities. And the 4th GP will be an opportunities to progress of Hyogo Framework of Action (HFA) and to consult on the framework in the next term, so-called "HFA2".

The opening ceremony was opened 9:30 AM of 21 May at the main conference hall. Mr. Ueli Maurer, President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Jan Eliasson, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Deputy Prime minister of Namibia and Civil Defense Minister of New Zealand had the welcome speeches.

Thereafter, about 170 official events, such as the official statements by participant countries, the introduction of participant organizations on their activities were held.

On the same day afternoon, ADRC held a special meeting titled "Regional Mechanisms for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia: Building Resilience through Innovation and Partnerships" co-hosted with Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) and Asian Disaster Rescue and Response Network (ADRRN). Three organizations introduced their characteristic activities for their missions. (ADRC was established as the hub of international cooperation between central governments of member countries, ADPC was founded based on the outreach center of the Asian Institute of Technology and ADRRN is a network of national and local civil society organizations concerning DDR.) And several participants stressed the importance of strong cooperation between Asian regional organizations such as ADRC, ADPC and ADRRN.

There were also meetings among participants during the conference period. On 22 May, the executive director of ADRC had an opportunity of meeting with the delegate of Iran, Mr. Ghadami, Deputy of the Minister Interior and Head of National Organization for Disaster Reduction (NDMO). As Iran had joined ADRC member countries in last December, Mr. Ghadami expressed their high hope for support by ADRC in order to strengthen their DRR capacity. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual interests in  developing the cooperation between ADRC and NDMO. Later day this meeting was introduced in NDMO's web site.

Mr. Ghadami, Head of NDMO (left) and Mr. Natori, ED of ADRC
（from NDMO web site）

In 23 May, IRP hosted a forum on the lessons learned from the experiences of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Details are described in the next article.
At the closing ceremony, the chairperson, Mr. Dahinden, Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, unveiled the draft of the Chair's Summary, and  Ms. Wahlström extended her gratitude to the participants.Japan's Government  delegate, Mr. Yoshitami Kameoka, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Management, declared that the next the UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) would be held on March 2015 in Sendai City in Japan.

Mr. Kameoka, Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Management, declared that the next WCDR would be held in Sendai City, Japan.

8-11 May 2013 (Chengdu, China)

The Forum on Post-Disaster Revival and International Disaster Reduction -Experience and Lessons from 5-Year Wenchuan Post-Disaster Reconstruction and Lushan Earthquake Relief, organized by the Sichuan University, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was held in Chengdu, China in May 2013. As a cooperation of this forum, the ADRC sent one representative from IRP secretariat to attend. The forum's over 300 participants included experts from government officials and academic experts across China.

During the keynote speech, Mr. Shingo Kouchi, ADRC Senior Expert as well as IRP Senior Recovery Expert, valued the Government and people of China's high ability to promote recovery and reconstruction efforts following the Wenchuan Earthquake that struck Sichuan Province in May 2008.  Mr. Kouchi also noted that ADRC and IRP have long been in help to China's efforts to utilize Japanese technologies, experiences, and lessons related to earthquake disaster risk reduction.

Mr. Kouchi also emphasized the importance of everyday preparedness by citizens, in addition to the government efforts, when a massive disaster strikes. In this connection, the Lushan Earthquake which occurred in late April showed the evidence of progress of disaster reduction and preparedness since five years ago.

On occasion of commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Wenchuan earthquake, the Sichuan
U - The HK PolyU Institute for Disaster Management and Reconstruction (IDMR) has been established. Followed by the opening ceremony, signing ceremony of MoU between ADRC and IDMR was held. The purpose of ADRC and IDMR is to promote smoothly the releasing and sharing of information related to disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction, developing of disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction programs and educating talents in the field of disaster prevention and post-disaster reconstruction. The two parties will be dedicated to cooperation and mutual participation in the following activities;
(1) Promote personnel exchanges by mutual reception of research staff, faculty and students related to activities of both parties.
(2) Give priority to research projects with mutual participation to promote collaborative research.
(3) Promote the implementation of joint activities including the releasing and sharing of information on research results and professional knowledge.

The ADRC, together with the IDMR, would like to continue to support efforts to strengthen the disaster reduction capabilities of the affected communities.

(2013/06/11 14:50)

26-27 November 2012 (Nanjing, CHINA)

ADRC participated in the 7th Integrated Workshop of the Typhoon Committee which was jointly organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), and Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology (NUIST) in Nanjing on 26-27 November 2012. The more than 100 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from Japan, Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, US, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and the Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives of the organizing institutions. The participants discussed their approaches to issuing "effective warnings," which was the main theme of the meeting. For the Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group, Japan's Cabinet Office gave a presentation on the damage caused by typhoons in 2012 and on ADRC activities such as the Visiting Researcher Program.

The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster risk reduction. This workshop brought the three working groups together for an integrated meeting.
For more information, visit
http://www.typhooncommittee.org/IWS_Nanjing/index.html

(2012/11/30 19:40)

30 August 2012 (Bangkok, Thailand)

  "Sentinel Asia" is an international cooperation project on emergency observation by satellites in case of a great disaster. Sentinel Asia was launched seven years ago and ADRC has played a role of the hub which collects the needs from disaster organizations and makes the request on emergency observation to space agencies.

  Sentinel Asia was designed to progress in 3 steps as follows, and 2012 is the final year of STEP2.

STEP 1: Implementation of the backbone 'Sentinel Asia' data dissemination system and associated Nodes, to showcase the value and impact of the technology using standard internet dissemination systems (2006 - 2007)
STEP 2: Expansion of the dissemination backbone with new Satellite Communication Systems (2008 - 2012)
STEP 3: Establishment of a comprehensive "Disaster Management Support System" in Asia-Pacific region (2013 and onwards)

The meeting of Data Provider Nodes (space agencies) was held on STEP3 30th of August in Bangkok, Thailand. ADRC participated in this meeting on the behalf of disaster organizations and introduced disaster organizations' needs on emergency observations to space agencies.

Thereafter, the participants discussed the basic policy of Sentinel Asia Step3. Main topics were; 1)broaden the use of satellite data in the whole disaster management process, especially disaster preparedness and disaster recovery 2)improve the accuracy of satellite data by new facilities such as ALOS2, 3)strengthen the capacity building.

(2012/08/30 13:00)

7-9 August 2012 (Jogjakarta, Indonesia)

ADRC participated in the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting held on 7-9 August in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. The meeting was attended by more than 100 participants, including representatives from many countries in Asia as well as from international and inter-governmental organizations.

The meeting covered the following topic.

　1 ) Update on preparations for the 5th AMCDRR

　　 Reports were given on the status of preparations for the 5th Asian

     Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction scheduled to be

     held in Jogjakarta on 22 to 25 October this year.

　2 ) Draft of the Jogjakarta Declaration and the Stakeholders'

      Addendum

　　 Participants discussed a draft of the Jogjakarta Declaration and

     the Stakeholders' Addendum for the 5th AMCDRR.

　3 ) HFA review and monitoring

　 　Based on the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), Nepal, Sri Lanka,

     Myanmar, Vietnam, and others reported their activities.

　4 ) Post-HFA framework

　　 Participants discussed a post-HFA framework based on the

     challenges presented by the HFA.

   5 ) Updates and sharing of experiences by partners

 　Presentations were given by ADPC (DRR Project Portal Site),

  UN-SPIDER (Disaster Management using Satellites) and others.

ADRC works to build disaster-resilient communities and to establish networks among countries through its ongoing participation in international conferences.

http://www.unisdr-apps.net/confluence/display/iap09/IAP+Meeting+August+7-9%2C+2012+-+Yogyakarta%2C+Indonesia+%28Documents+and+Presentation%29

21-22 March, 2012 (Bangkok Thailand)

 The Workshop on Use of Multi-Global Navigation Satellite Systems for Sustainable Development organized by UNESCAP and supported by JAXA, was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 21 to 22 March 2012.

Government officials and experts from 13 countries and intergovernmental organizations participated in the workshop and discussed potential utilization of Multi-Global Navigation Satellite Systems (Multi-GNSS) in the fields of transportation, disaster risk reduction and agriculture.

http://www.unescap.org/idd/events/2012-Workshop-Multi-GNSS-21-22-Mar-2012/index.asp

(2012/3/23 11:30)

19th and 20th March, 2012 (India, Vanarasi)

International Seminar on "Disaster and Environmental Management" was　held by Institute of Management Studies, Mahatoma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith University from 19-20 March 2012 in Vanarasi, India.

The ADRC made a presentation about the current situation of recovery and reconstruction on Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in the Technical Session "Institutional and policy Framework for Disaster Management."

About 100 researchers, experts and students participated in the seminar and actively exchanged views and opinions on the issue of disaster and environmental mangement.

(2012/3/21 11:30)

12 March 2012 (Seoul, Korea)

The ADRC participated in the International Conference on "Lessons from Japan: Is Japan Korea's Future?" held on 12 March 2012 jointly organized by Asian Development Bank Institute and North East Asian Research(NEAR) Foundation of Korea Rep.

ADRC made presentation regarding the current situation of recovery, reconstruction and lessons on the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami disaster.

Around 100 participants attended the conference including experts and officials from nuclear, disaster management, economics and security fields and actively exchanged views and opinions on the broad issues such as aging society, social welfare, disaster risk management, nuclear power plant and security.

http://www.adbi.org/event/5010.adbi.near.conference.japan.korea.future/

(2012/3/13 11:30)

8-9 March 2012 (Tokyo, Japan)

Seminar on Disaster Risk Management in Asia:　Lessons and Challenges was held by Asian Developing Bank Institute from 8 to 9 March 2012 in Tokyo, Japan.  The ADRC explained the importance of business continuity plan (BCP)　in the private sector for the regional resilience and the current situation of the private sector in the APEC region based on the research made by ADRC.

About 100 officials, experts from public and private organizations participated in the seminar and actively exchanged views and opinions among them, demonstrating their strong interests in disaster risk management measures both structural and non-structural.

http://www.adbi.org/event/5012.disaster.risk.management.asia/

http://www.adbi.org/event/5013.disaster.risk.management.brainstorming.meeting/

(2012/3/9 11:30)

13-17 February 2012 (Vienna, Austria)

Staff of IRP/ADRC had participated in a five-day Training of Trainers (TOT) on Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) which was jointly organized by the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR), the United Nations Development Group (UNDG), and the Joint Vienna Institute (JVI). During the training, participants were acquainted with the methodology for (i) assessing damages and losses, (ii) determining the needs for recovery and reconstruction, and (iii) ensuring improved resilience of communities and countries following recovery.

The training offered an opportunity to strengthen synergy among IRP/ADRC partners in promoting capacity building programs on post disaster recovery planning by linking with UN, EU, WB, and donor agencies in supporting disaster prone countries to reduce risk of future disasters. In addition, the training has enhanced the capacity of IRP/ADRC staff in conducting PDNA and providing related training for requesting countries or organizations.

The lectures, group exercises, and discussions at the training had specifically contributed in developing the capacities for improved recovery planning using information from PDNA. It particularly enhanced participants' competence in organizing PDNA, developing recovery framework, and following up post-PDNA measures.

(2012/02/29 14:20)

15 November 2011 (Doha, Qatar)

  The 3rd Civil Defence Exhibition and Conference was organized by the Government of Qatar from 14 to 16 November 2011 in Doha Qatar. As a side event, the 2nd Security Conference (forum) was held. Seven officials and specialists on Disaster Risk Management, including a ADRC's researcher, were invited to the forum to deliver presentations/speeches.

   The ADRC explained the damages of and lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in March this year while other speakers presented a broad range of issues, both man-made and natural disasters, such as climate change, challenges concerning high-rise building disaster and information dissemination. More than 200 officials, experts and the media people from Qatar participated in he forum and actively exchanged views and opinions among them, demonstrating their strong interests in disaster risk management.

(2011/11/17 19:50)

10 November 2011 (Incheon, Korea)

The ADRC was invited to the International Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction Legislation and Policy as part of the Asian Forum of Legislative Information Affairs (AFOLIA). The Conference was organized by the Ministry of Government Legislation in cooperation with the National emergency Management Agency.

While an interest in a post HFA (Hyogo Framework for Action) 2005-2015 and a need to establish international disaster response laws (IDRL) were growing, discussion on disaster legislations at the Conference was indeed significant and meaning attempt.

(2011/11/12 13:10)

7-8 November 2011 (Taipei, Taiwan)

 The 2011 International Workshop on Emergency Management was organized by the Ministry of Interior, Government of Taiwan from 7 to 8 November 2011 in Taipei city.

　Ten government officials and specialists on Disaster Emergency Management, including a ADRC's researcher, were invited to the workshop to make presentations and　speeches.　The ADRC explained the importance of business continuity plan (BCP)　in the private sector for the regional resilience while other speakers presented case study on the response and recovery phase of large scale disasters both man-made and natural.

　　About 200 officials, experts participated in the workshop and actively exchanged views and opinions among them, demonstrating their strong interests in disaster risk management.

(2011/11/09 11:30)

31 October -1 November (Jakarta, Indonesia)

This two-day symposium was organized jointly by Government of Indonesia, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and Harvard University. Under the main theme of "Moving ASEAN Community Forward into 2015 and Beyond", the symposium discussed various issues on the fulfillment of the ASEAN Economic Community that is due on 2015 and the future challenges beyond the date.

Among three substantive sessions organized, the ADRC participated in the Session 2: Moving the ASEAN Community Forward through Strengthening of Regional Corporation: Engendering a Resilient and Harmonious ASEAN whereby making a presentation "Strengthening regional cooperation in times of disaster".

In the outcome document titled"Jakarta Framework on Moving ASEAN Community Forward into 2015 and Beyond", it is mentioned that "the issues of resiliency, especially food security and energy security, as well as disaster management, have been identified as important challenges to be tackled" and "ASEAN's increasing demand for food and energy is even more challenging given the risks of natural disasters, for the fact that Asia is the most disaster prone region in the world."

(2011/11/02 13:10) 

27-28 October 2011 (Shanghai, China)

The Shanghai Forum on Disaster Prevention, Post-Disaster Reconstruction and International Cooperation: Learning from both Japanese and Chinese Experiences was organized by Osaka University from 27 to 28 October 2011 at Hotel Nikko in Shanghai, China.
The forum was attended by researchers from Japanese and Chinese universities as well as experts from international organizations. Invited by Osaka University, IRP/ADRC also participated in the Forum.
The Forum addressed: a) The role of civil society and social capital on post-disaster reconstruction and disaster prevention; b) Advanced technologies to reduce earthquake damage of structures; c) Earthquake damage and countermeasures of civil engineering structures; d) Disaster assistance network across the border; e) Nuclear energy: Safety, risk and human resources education, including a panel discussion on disaster prevention, post-disaster reconstruction and international cooperation.
IRP/ADRC presented the significance of social capital in disaster reduction and recovery based on the analysis of community-level recovery cases throughout the world. The presentation drew a lot of attention from both Japanese and Chinese researchers.

(2011/11/15 14:00)

27 October 2011 (Jakarta, Indonesia)

The Conference "Disaster Management and the Impact of Climate Change" was organized by the Coordinating Ministry for People's Welfare, Republic of Indonesia as part of "The Indonesian Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery, EXPO and Conference (IDEC)2011.

It  was jointly organized by the JST-JICA Project "Multi-disciplinary Hazard Reduction from Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Indonesia. Hence, members of the JST-JICA Project participated in the Conference, Specifically, three members made presentations, focusing on recent disasters in Indonesia and in Japan, which included the presentation "Policy Response to 3.11 Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster" done by Mr. Atsushi Koresawa of the Center.

The joint coordination of the Conference demonstrated the importance and relevance of the activities that the JST-JICA Project were engaged in.

(2011/10/28 13:10)

18 October -21 October 2011 (Beijing, China)

ADRC participated in the Seminar on East-Asia Earthquakes Studies - Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Volcanoes in Northeast Asia: International Collaboration and Regional Capacity Building for the Forecast, Preparedness and Early Warning.

The Seminar was organized jointly by the China Earthquake Administration (CEA), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), and the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). It was a first attempt of this kind.

The Seminar addressed key scientific and technological issues in need of special consideration for forecast, preparedness and early-warning of earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis, especially for Northeast Asia. Experts from not only China, Korea and Japan but also from other countries in Asia and other regions participated and examined relevant issues based on their experiences, most notably the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.. Mr. Atsushi Koresawa of the ADRC presented "Policy Response to Great East Japan Earthquake" in the "Communicating with the Public" session.

The Seminar was successfully closed by reaching a consensus that collaborate need to be continued and strengthened among China, Korea and Japan and with other countries in Asia to further enhance scientific knowledge and relevant technologies against seismic hazards.

(2011/10/22 13:10)

28-29 July 2011 (Da Nang, Vietnam)

The APEC Workshop on Facing Abnormal Flood Disaster: New Vision for APEC Member Economies was organized by Vietnamese Government from 28 to 29 July 2011 at Life Style Resort Hotel in Da Nang, Vietnam.

The workshop was attended by experts from APEC member economies as well as experts from international organizations. Invited by the Vietnamese Government, IRP/ADRC also participated in the Workshop.

(2011/7/30 14:00)

27-29 June 2011 (Bangkok, Thailand)

The Expert Group Meeting on Regional Knowledge and Cooperation for Comprehensive Multi-Hazard risk Management in Asia and the Pacific was organized by the United National Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) from 27 to 29 June 2011 at the United national Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand.　The Meeting　was　attended　by　experts　from　many　countries　as　well　as　experts　from　intergovernmental　and　international organizations. Invited by the ESCAP, ADRC also participated in the Meeting.

The Meeting addressed: a) Asia Pacific Gateway on Disaster Risk Reduction and Development; b) Data for Disaster Risk Reduction and Assessment; c) Regional Cooperative Mechanism on Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning, Particularly Drought, and; d) Asia Pacific Disaster Report. Experts discussed in details relevant issues and needs and necessary actions. ADRC stressed the importance of compilation of disaster data, the used of GLIDE (Global Unique Disaster Identifier), sharing of experiences and lessons regarding to specific disasters such as the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

Following the above Expert Group Meeting, the UNESCAP Committee was convened from 29 June to 1 July and ADRC also participated in the Committee meeting as an observer. During discussion, a number of countries made mention about ADRC as being relevant to regional cooperation for disaster risk reduction. By showing gratitude to continued cooperation with those countries, ADRC expressed wish to continue to cooperate with them through its activities.

(2011/07/04 13:10)

9-10 May 2011 (Cambodia)

The ADRC attended the 22st meeting of sub-committee on space technology and applications (SCOSA) held from 9th  to 10th  May 2011 in Siem Reap, Cambodia.
Various organizations in ASEAN countries which are related to the space technology attended this meeting in order to discuss on-going and future projects by SCOSA and other relevant. .
For the last two year the ADRC has been implementing "Satellite Data Utilization for Disaster Risk Reduction and Response" funded by Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). Eight ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam are the target countries of the project.
In this meeting, ADRC made a progress report on the project.
ADRC is currency producing materials to be used at planned seminars and trainings in each ASEAN country.
For more details of this project, please look at the following site; http://www.geoinfo.ait.ac.th/adrc/index.htm

2011/6/2 13;20

23-25 March 2011 (Jakarta, Indonesia)

The Jakarta International Defense Dialogue (JIDD), hosted by the Indonesian Ministry of Defense and organized by the Indonesian Defense University, was held at Jakarta Convention Center in Jakarta, Indonesia. The core objective of the Dialogue was the promotion of intergovernmental cooperation to meet common threats such as disaster and terrorism, and explore disaster management and counterterrorism measures.  

About one thousand participants from different countries and agencies gathered for this event. Among the countries represented were Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Australia, United States. Some European countries and agencies of United Nations were also represented. ADRC, represented by Senior Administrative Manager Mr. Masataka Onishi, presented the Emergency Response System in Japan. Mr.Onishi highlighted the disaster management system as well as  outlined the impact of the tsunami that flattened many towns and communities situated at the Pacific coast of Tohoku region caused by "Great Eastern Japan Earthquake" of March 11, 2011. How the Japanese central and local governments have been responding to the disaster was emphasized in the presentation. Many of the participants showed deep condolence for the victims of the disaster and some briskly asked questions about sharing of responsibilities among central and local governments in disaster response.

 (2011/03/26 19:20)

7th March 2011 (Washington DC, USA)

The ADRC participated in the Emergency Preparedness Working Group organized by Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Washington DC.
The Working Group is co-chaired by Australia and Indonesia and around 40 participants attended the meeting included representatives from 16 member economies namely Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chili, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia,  Papua New Guinea , Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Russia, Taiwan, USA and Vietnam.
The WG addressed issues related to minimize the economical impact of disruption caused by natural disasters. The ADRC introduced the emergency satellite observation framework of Sentinel Asia and Business Continuity Management methodology to minimize the economical impact for effective disaster response.     (2011/03/08 11:30)

1-4 March 2011 (Islamabad, Pakistan)

The objective of this Workshop, which is organized jointly by UNESCAP, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) at SUPARCO, Islamabad, Pakistan, is to develop the capacity to build better resilience to water related disasters as well as for more effective adaptation to climate change through the applications of space technology and flood risk management in Pakistan.

 Space-based technologies increasingly play an important role in disaster risk management as demonstrated by floods in Pakistan and in Thailand. ADRC was invited as an expert by the organizers and made two presentations on "Enhancing　the use of space-based technologies for disaster risk management" focusing on Sentinel Asia and "Community-based disaster risk management" respectively. Participants especially from Pakistan showed great interest in Sentinel Asia and other space-technology related programmes. Also, some participants underscored the importance of community-based disaster risk reduction activities in Pakistan. Space-technologies have been becoming more relevant to and useful for disaster risk management.

ADRC as a focal point for emergency observations of Sentinel Asia and a regional support office of UNSPIDER will continue to contribute to this objective.

(2011/03/04 13:10)

18-19 February  2011 (Malacca, Malaysia)

The National Disaster Awareness Day 2011 was held in Malacca, Malaysia on 18 and 19 February 2011. The event was organized by the National Security Council (NSC) of Malaysia. The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) was invited to participate.
More than a thousand representatives from international organizations, the ASEAN countries, national and local governments attended the event. On Day One, ADRC, at the request by the organizer, gave a presentation on "Total Disaster Risk Management" in the plenary session. Under the theme "Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Reduction into Development Policy, Planning and Implementation", the seminar was organized into four sessions: Session 2A "Role of Local Authorities in DRR", Session 2B "ASEAN Knowledge Sharing Workshop on Mainstreaming DRR in Education", Session 2C "Hospital Safe from Disasters" and Session 2D "National Disaster Management Mechanism."

On Day Two, in conjunction with this event, the ceremony on National Launching of UNISDR World Disaster Reduction Campaign was held with Y.A.B. Tan Sri Muhyiddin bin Mohd Yassin, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, in attendance.  
                                                                                             (2011/02/19 17:30)

7-10 February 2011 (Vienna, Austria)

The Forty-Eighth Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS)was held at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria. At this session, the second United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting was also organized.
ADRC took part in this event. At the technical subcommittee of COPUOS, the activities of ADRC as focal point for Sentinel Asia's emergency observations in the event of disasters was introduced its accomplishments. At the UN-SPIDER RSO Meeting, ADRC presented its activities and accomplishments as RSO as well as its future plans. The RSO meeting provided an opportunity to exchange opinions, and explore measures of enhancing future activities of UN-SPIDER RSO.

(2010/02/14 19:20)

1-2 February 2011 (Bangkok, Thailand)

The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) held the first regional workshop of the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund Project on "Capacity Building in the Utilization of Satellite Images for Disaster Management" from 1 to 2 February 2011.
This workshop was organized in cooperation with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and was held at the AIT Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand.
This is one of the four capacity development programs in ASEAN countries that ADRC has been implementing since 2008, with other three including disaster education promotion, development of Web-based GLIDE-associated disaster database and capacity building of local government officials.
The purpose of the workshop was to allow relevant personnel to share information from the Report from the Seminar and Training for the Utilization of Satellite Images for Disaster Management, as well as other information regarding the use of satellite image for disaster management. The 27 participants, who represented the ASEAN countries, the ASEAN secretariat, the Japanese Embassy in Thailand, and UN agency, discussed efforts to promote the use of satellite images for disaster management activities.
The key points discussed were as follows:
  1) Close ties between space organizations and disaster management organizations
  2) Effective use of satellite information and the development of expertise and technologies
  3) Use of ICTs other than satellite technologies to strengthen disaster management capacity
  4) Mutual learning among countries though regional mechanisms
ADRC will continue to cooperate with relevant agencies to further promote the utilization of satellite data in the field of disaster management in ASEAN region.
For more details of this project and the result of this workshop, please visit ADRC web site (http://www.adrc.asia/top_j.php).

2011/02/21 13:20

17-22 January 2011 (Jeju, Republic of Korea)

The ADRC participated in the 43rd Session of Typhoon Committee organizend by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific(UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization(WMO) Typhoon Committee in Jeju on 17-22 January 2011.
The 43rd Session was hosted by Republic of Korea and around 100 participants attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, USA, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives from the organizing institutions.
The Committee consists of three working groups, namely, WG on Meteorology(WGM), WG on Hydrology(WGH), and WG on Disaster Risk Reduction(WGDRR), among which ADRC has joined WGDRR.
The Committee as well as its WGs addressed issues related to the impact of climate change on tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, growing risks of urban flooding, among others. The ADRC gave a presentation on the recent activities introducing the framework of Sentinel Asia using GLIDE numbers for effective disaster response.
For more details, please refer to: http://typhooncommittee.org/session.htm

（2011/1/28 11:30）

25-28 October 2010, Incheon, Republic of Korea

ADRC participated in the 4AMCDRR held in Incheon, Republic of Korea from 25 - 28 October 2010. More than 900 participants comprising ministers of disaster management from 53 Asia-Pacific and European nations, representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, and NGOs attended the conference. The Prime Ministers of Republic of Korea and Kingdom of Bhutan were among the high level participants.

Under the theme "Disaster Risk Reduction through Climate Change Adaptation" (DRR through CCA), the conference was organized into three sessions: Session 1 "Raising awareness and building capacity for DRR & CCA", Session 2 "Developing and sharing information, technology, sound practices, and lessons learned in climate & disaster risk management", and Session 3 "Promoting integration of DRR & CCA into development for green growth". ADRC chaired Technical Session 1 and co-chaired the High Level Round Table of Session 1 (HLRT1) with the Maldives and Bhutan. 

The outcomes of the technical session emphasized two key concerns. One is the need for training for both government officials and civil society organizations. The other is the need to learn from local and indigenous peoples on how they manage risk and the need to support their efforts in raising awareness. In this regard, it was suggested that DRR and CCA should be framed within local and national development planning. At the HLRT1, the ministers expressed problems of their countries, including issues on raising awareness and building capacity. HLRT1 recognized that problems vary from country to country, and that solutions need to be localized. HLRT1 had drawn commitments from delegates to work together and share technical knowledge. Recommendations from Technical Session and HLRT1 were reflected into the conference outcome documents: Incheon Declaration, Incheon Regional Roadmap or REMAP, and Incheon Action Plan aimed at establishing climate resilient disaster risk management systems by 2015 that will contribute to sustainable development at the regional, national and community levels.

ADRC also co-organized various side events at 4AMCDRR including "Incorporating space-based information and technologies into DRR and CCA" with UNOOSA, "Asian Film Festival on Disaster Management" with GFDR and ADPC, and "A tool for Better Recovery: Introduction to Guidance Notes on Climate Change Adaptation and Recovery" with IRP. The next AMCDRR will be held in Indonesia in 2012 and the progress of REMAP will be reviewed accordingly.

For more information on ADRC's activities during the 4th AMCDRR, please see the ADRC Highlights to be issued shortly.

(2010/10/25 16:50)

5 October 2010 (Washington DC, USA)

ADRC attended the Global Dialogue on Post-Disaster Recovery and Reconstruction Planning, which was organized by the United Nations, the European Commission, and the World Bank in Washington DC. National governments, regional organizations, UN agencies, and other stakeholders participated in the dialogue. The use of PDNA(Post Disaster Needs Assessment) as a tool for reconstruction and sustainable development of disaster affected countries was mainly discussed. The presentations of PDNA experiences from 4 disaster affected countries highlighted the usefulness of PDNA as a tool. After the presentations, three subgroups discussed and reflected on PDNA as tool for (1) assessing socio-economic impacts of disaster, (2) recovery and reconstruction planning, and (3) mainstreaming resilience in longer term development strategies.

The PDNA workspace, hosted at the IRP Website, was also launched. The International Recovery Platform, with support of ADRC, presented the key features of PDNA workspace at the launching.

(2010/10/12 14:00)

28 September - 2 October (Padang, Indonesia)

Large-scale inter-plate earthquakes have occurred recurrently in Indonesia, particularly around Sumatra Island, but it has been reported by many experts that such an earthquake is likely to happen off Padang in West Sumatra within thirty years or so.

To prepare for such large-scale earthquakes, it is of urgent need to establish early-warning and transmission system, development of practical technologies for reduction of building vulnerability and community-based disaster risk management. Hence, two day workshop on 29 and 30 September was organised which coincided with one-year commemoration of the Padang Earthquake on 30 September 2009.

The National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), the National Research Institute for Earthquake Science and Disaster Prevention (NIED) and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) from Japan, and the Metrological, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG), the Institute Technology Bandung (ITB) and Andalas University (UNAND) from Indonesia, among others, jointed the workshop.

As a result of discussion, it reached a consensus that future collaboration should focus on three substantive areas, namely early warning for earthquakes, practical technologies for reduction of building vulnerability and community-based disaster risk management.                                                                                         (2010/10/4 13:10)

22-23 September 2010 (Chengdu, China)

The International Symposium "5.12 Massive Wenchuan Earthquake Reconstruction & Catastrophic Disaster Control" was held in Chengdu, China on 22 and 23 September 2010.  The event  was jointly organized by  the Provincial People's Governments of Sichuan, Shanx, and Gansu and the Chinese Academy of Governance. Mr. Onishi, Senior Administrative Manager of Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) was invited to participate.
Around 130 representatives from international organizations, national and local governments, and experts from 30 countries and organizations in America, Europe, and Asia attended the symposium. On day 1, the participants visited the reconstruction sites in Yingxiu town, Shuimo town, and Dujiangyan city to look at the progress of recovery. On day 2, presentations concerning the theme  "Scientific Reconstruction and Harmonious Development" were made. The title of Mr. Onishi's presentation is "From Resilient Recovery to Sustainable Development:  Development of Recovery and Rehabilitation Measures".

(2010/09/22 19:20)

16 September 2010 (Nanjing, China)

The ADRC attended the Preparatory Meeting for the High-level Expert Group Meeting towards Developing a Roadmap to Reduce Flood Disaster Risks in Pakistan held on 16 September 2010 in Nanjing, China. The Preparatory Meeting was organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

The meeting was opened jointly with the Stakeholder Meeting on the Regional Cooperative Mechanism on Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning, Particularly Drought in the same venue, and was started with a moment of silence for the victims of the Pakistan Floods and China landslides that happed in July/August 2010. Dr.Xuan Zengpei, Director of the Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division (IDD) of ESCAP, delivered a statement of Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Secretary of ESCAP.

Following the opening session and setting the scene, Mr. Ahmed Amjad Ali, Deputy Head of Mission and Alternate Permanent Representative of Pakistan to ESCAP made presentation briefly on the current situations of flooding damage of Pakistan. He stressed that unprecedented floods affected the entire length of Pakistan, causing maximum damage in province of Khyber Pakhtunkwa (KPK), Punjab and Sindh. The number of affected people by the floods is more than 20 million and is larger than the Pakistan Earthquake 2005, the Hurricane Katrina 2005, the Indian Ocean Tsunami 2004, the Cyclone Nargis in 2008 and the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 all put together.

Each and all participants made presentations and brainstormed on how they could provide potential assistance to reduce flood disaster risk in Pakistan.

The High-level Expert Group Meeting will be held in Pakistan in early November 2010.

For more details, please visit the following web site.

http://www.unescap.org/idd/events/2010_Pakistan_Floods/
 

(2010/09/16 17:30)

15-17 September 2010(Seattle, USA)

This program was jointly organized by Peace Winds America (NPO) and the City of Seattle, and was held from 15-17 October at the Seattle Office of Emergency Management. The program aimed to promote the sharing of experiences and ideas regarding natural disasters and emergency management between local government officials in the US and Japan.

 The Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), at the request of the organizers, provided help with the coordination of the participating organizations from Japan. Also, ADRC gave a presentation on "Government Coordination" in Japan and facilitated discussions throughout the program.
The participants included Japanese officials from the Ministry of Defense, Osaka Prefecture and the City of Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture and the City of Kobe, and Hiroshima Prefecture and the City of Hiroshima, as well as American representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the City of Seattle, King County, the City of Honolulu, Microsoft, Boeing, and other organizations. The participants gave presentations on their own experiences and the outlook for the future from the viewpoint of those who are doing practical disaster management work on the ground. The Japanese participants were particularly impressed with the collaborative frameworks that have been developed in the US to enable local governments, private companies, and NGOs to work together.
This exchange program is expected to become an annual event and thus is expected to prove highly useful to both US and Japanese local governments long into the future.

(2010/09/18 13:10)

30 August-1 September 2010, Tokyo, Japan

As a partner organization, ADRC participated in the ASEAN plus Three International Conference on Disaster Management in Tokyo.

ASEAN Plus Three International Conference on Disaster Management, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan in close cooperation with the Cabinet Office of Japan, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR), Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), with participation of officials and academic experts from ASEAN countries Plus Three  countries and observer countries such as Australia and India as well as other international organizations, was convened on 30 August-1 September 2010 in Tokyo, Japan.

The Meeting reviewed the progresses and challenges in the first half decade of the HFA 2005-2015 in the region and discussed to identify new challenges in the next half decade of the HFA with a view to contributing to the Mid-Term Review of the HFA. Participants of the Meeting shared the view that progresses have been made at both national and regional levels.

It was also pointed out that adaptation to climate change should be linked with disaster risk reduction policy in each country and facilitated through the regional cooperation in view of the disaster management.

The Meeting also acknowledged the important role of ADRC to the regional cooperation in Asia on disaster management and recognized valuable and significant activities of JICA in bilateral cooperation on disaster management through the Official Development Assistance of Japanese government.

-Note-

ASEAN Plus Three; ASEAN Member States (Brunei Darussalam, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Indonesia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, the Union of Myanmar, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Singapore, the Kingdom of Thailand and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam) and People's Republic of China, Japan and Republic of Korea

13 August 2010 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)

Steering Committee for the fiscal year 2010 of Asian Disaster Reduction Center was held in Incheon City, Korea on August 13. Representatives of 19 member countries attended.
Mr.Tomoya Nagai, the new Director for Disaster Preparedness, Public Relations and International Cooperation, Cabinet Office of Japan, chaired the steering committee meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, he expressed sympathy to victims of recent disasters in Pakistan, China, and India and also expressed strong support to the affected governments on behalf of ADRC. The chair formally announced the Republic of Maldives as the 29th member country of ADRC, which officially joined in May 2010.
After the presentation of ADRC activities for fiscal year 2010, the member countries discussed on how to further promote ADRC activities.

(2010/08/13 19:20)

11-13 August 2010 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)

The ADRC attended the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) Meeting held from 11 to 13 August 2010 in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The meeting was organized to speed up the preparations for the Fourth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) scheduled on 25-28 October 2010 at Songdo ConvensiA in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The main themes, procedures, and expected outcomes of 4th AMCDRR were among the key items discussed and examined at the meeting.

The ADRC has been actively involved in drafting outcome documents, and will be chairing Technical Session 1 "Raising awareness and building capacity for disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA)" at the 4th AMCDRR. In addition, the ADRC has been also co-organizing few side events such as "Incorporation of space-based information to support DRR and CCA" and "Introduction to Recovery Guidance Notes on CCA" with UNOOSA and International Recovery Platform (IRP) respectively.

Following the discussions at the preparatory meeting, the ADRC will further strengthen the preparations for Technical Session 1 and side events.

(2010/08/11 16:50)

1-2 July 2010, Bangkok, Thailand

The Technical Workshop to develop the Regional Roadmap for Promoting Regional Cooperation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation was held in Bangkok, Thailand on 1-2 July to discuss and develop the regional roadmap for promoting regional cooperation on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Asia. The Workshop was organised jointly by UNSIDR, UNESCAP, NEMA of Korea and ADRC. This regional roadmap is planned to be one of the main outocomes of the 4th Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) to be held in Incheon, Korea, in October this year.

As many as around 50 experts from UN and other international organisations, Government Ministries/Agencies, and INGOs participated in the Workshop. From the ADRC, Mr. Atsushi KORESAWA and Mr. Huy Nguyen participated in the workshop. Also, ADRC facilitated the participation of experts from JICA, the Meteorological Research Institute of Japan's Meteorological Agency, and JAXA.

The experts discussed, inter alia: 1) the conceptual framework for promoting regional cooperation for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Asia: 2) the objectives of the regional road map, and: 3) the elements of the regional road map. Based on the result of two day discussion, UNISDR in cooperation with other partners will make a first draft of the roadmap which will be further examined at the upcoming IAP meeting in Incheon, Korea on 11-13 August.

The ADRC is expected to play a key role as one of lead agencies at the 4th AMCDRR, and therefore, will continue to take an active part in its preparatory process.

(2010/07/05 13:10)

20 May 2010 (Makati City, Philippines)

Atsushi KORESAWA of ADRC attended the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) Partnership Conference held on 20 May 2010 in Makati City, the Philippines.

At the Conference, the ACDM members explained the ADDMER Work Programme in some details with the intention of gathering support from partners for the implementation of the AADMER Work Programme, particularly Phase 1 (2010-2012) flagship projects. The ADRC was invited as one of those partners.

ADRC has already engaged in the implementation of similar activities both within and outside ASEAN countries and accumulated relevant experiences and expertise. Therefore, the ADRC would be pleased to be involved in some of the ASEAN flagship projects presented in coming years.

( 2010/05/31 13:10)

17-18 May, Vientiane, Lao PDR

The ADRC attended the 21st meeting of sub-committee on space technology and applications (SCOSA) held from 17th to 18th May 2010 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Various organizations in ASEAN countries which are related to the space technology attended this meeting in order to discuss on-going and future projects by SCOSA and other relevant. .
For the last two year the ADRC has been implementing " Satellite Data Utilization for Disaster Risk Reduction and Response" funded by Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). Eight ASEAN countries, namely, Indonesia, Philippines, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Brunei Darussalam are the target countries of the project.
In this meeting, ADRC made a progress report on the project.
 ADRC is currency producing materials to be used at planned seminars and trainings in each ASEAN country which will be implemented from July this year.
For more details of this project, please look at the following site ; http://www.geoinfo.ait.ac.th/adrc/index.htm

(2010/05/26 13:20)

5-6 May, Singapore

The roundtable on Asian Regionalism was organized by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, Centre on Asia and Globalization (CAG) at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on 5-6 may at the LKY School in Singapore. Many experts in the fields of energy security, climate change and natural disaster response attended the roundtable from across Asia.

CSIS will produce a report by reflecting discussions at this forum. It has become certain hat disaster management has been gaining its importance in the context of the non-traditional security areas. However, it has been recognized that there are many disaster management related activities conducted by many different organizations which have some similarities or commonalities and thus some rationalization is required to make them more effective and useful.
ADRC will continue to conduct its activities in good collaboration with other organizations and focus on areas which ADRC has comparative advantages.

Note) 

CAG:  Centre on Asia and Globalisation, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy,   National University of Singapore
CSIS:  Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington

(2010/05/12 13:10)

27 April 2010  Almaty, Kazakhstan

Central Asia is a region vulnerable to multiple natural disasters including devastating earthquakes, floods, landslides/mud-slides, avalanches that have caused economic and human losses across the region. The Central Asia nations of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan agreed on the need for stronger regional cooperation on issues of disaster risk management and agreed to start a dialogue on the regional centre for disaster preparedness and response. Eventually, a working group was formed to start consultation on the establishment of a regional disaster preparedness and response coordination centre.

Against this background, the Third Consultative Meeting on the Establishment of a Regional Disaster Preparedness and Response Coordination Centre was organised, jointly by Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan and UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Sub-regional Office for Central Asia, on 27th April in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) has been supportive of this initiative since January 2005 when the establishment of a centre was first proposed at the UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction held in Kobe, Japan. ADRC attended the third meeting along with the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, various UN bodies (UNDP, UNISDR, UNHCR), GTZ and IFRC.
During discussion, the participants discussed some specific issues relevant to the draft agreement and regulation but agreed upon a urgent need to establish the centre. Consequently, they have agreed to set up a working-level standing committee sometime this year to solve particular problems.

ADRC plans to provide relevant information based on its own experience as an organisation to promote multinational cooperation for disaster reduction across countries in Asia and explore ways to cooperate with the Centre once in such fields as training and human resource development.

(2010/05/10 13:10)

11-12 March 2010 (Singapore)

As a partner organization, ADRC participated in the 15th Meeting of ACDM and 4th ACDM+3 Senior Officials Meeting (SOM) in Singapore.

One of the highlights of ACDM meeting, 11 March 2010, was the turnover of chairmanship from Myanmar to the Philippines. Under the new chair, ACDM aims to achieve two major objectives for 2010: (i) the implementation of AADMER Work Programme for 2010-2015 and (ii) the establishment and operationalization of AHA Centre.

During ACDM+3SOM, 12 March 2010, representatives from Government of Japan re-announced its assistance to ASEAN's efforts in Disaster Reduction under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) which focus on (i) enhancing ASEAN's capacity for emergency response to large-scale disaster based on the AADMER, (ii) supporting the improvement of the disaster prevention ability of AHA Centre and construction of the disaster information and communication system that allows the utilization of satellite, and (iii) implementing the following four (4) projects through the activities of ADRC:

 • Promotion of Disaster Education in Schools
 • Capacity Building of Local Government Officials on Disaster Management
 • Utilization of Satellite Image on Disaster Management, and
 • Development of Web-based GLIDE Associated Disaster Event Databases for ASEAN Countries.

In the ACMD+SOM, ADRC made a presentation on the progress of above four (4) on-going ASEAN Cooperation Projects implemented by ADRC and expressed continuous support for the iplementation of the cited JAIF projects.

(2010/03/23 17:30) 

8 March 2010 (Bangkok, Thailand)

The new web system that been produced as part of Sentinel Asia Step 2 for the last two years will start its operation from April 2010.
The Sentinel Asia Secretariat, ADRC and other relevant agencies held a meeting at Geo-informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, GISTDA, in Bangkok, Thailand, to share information on the new web system.
The new web site is located at; 
https://sentinel.tksc.jaxa.jp

(2010/03/30 13:20)

8-19 February 2010 (Vienna, Austria)

The Forty-Seventh Session of the Scientific and Technical Subcommittee of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN-COPUOS)was held from 8 to 19 February 2010 at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria. At this session, the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) Regional Support Offices (RSO) Meeting was also organized on 9-10 February.

ADRC took part in both events.  At the technical subcommittee of COPUOS, ADRC introduced its major activities and accomplishments. Two key activities were highlighted. Firstly, ADRC serves as focal point for Sentinel Asia in facilitating, emergency observations in the event of disasters. Secondly, ADRC implements capacity building activities on the use of satellites data among its member countries. At the UN-SPIDER RSO Meeting,  ADRC presented its activities and accomplishments as RSO as well as its future plans. The RSO meeting provided an opportunity to discuss frankly, exchange of opinions, and explore measures of enhancing future activities of ADRC in line with the objectives of UN-SPIDER.

 (2010/02/20 19:20)

42nd ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee

25-29 January 2010 (Singapore)

ADRC participated in the 42nd Session of ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee that was held from 25th to 29th January in Singapore. The Committee consists of three working groups, namely, WG on Meteorology (WGM), WG on Hydrology (WGH), and WG on Disaster Prevention and Preparedness (WGDPP), among which. ADRC has been a member of WGDPP.
The Committee as well as its WGs addressed issues related to the impact of climate change on tropical cyclone frequency and intensity, growing risks of urban flooding, among others. For more details, please refer to: http://www.typhooncommittee.org/tc.htm.

16th Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum

26-29 January 2010 (Bangkok, Thailand)

ADRC made a presentation on the situation and trends of natural disasters worldwide, progresses made in implementing the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 - a global blueprint for disaster risk reduction efforts -, and the application of space technologies to disaster management with Sentinel Asia and UNSPIDER as an example. It is followed by emergency observations reports by Vietnam and the Philippines. For more details, please refer to http://www.aprsaf.org/text/ap16_info.html.

(2010/02/01 13:10)

13-14 December (Dhaka, Bangladesh)

Bangladesh is known as a country prone to various natural hazards, including cyclones, floods, and storm surges. Tornados occur almost every year, often resulting in extensive casualties and damage. Recently, for example, the 1996 tornado in Tangail killed about 700 people. Despite such devastating consequences, adequate tornado preparedness measures are still lacking, with efforts still needed in the areas of early warning systems and evacuation shelters. This forum was therefore held to raise awareness among policymakers, practitioners, and civil society of the risks posed by tornadoes and other severe local storms, as well as to promote the development of strategies for mitigating future disaster risks.

During the forum, ADRC gave two presentations, on "Governance and Policy Making" and "Public Awareness and Education." ADRC presented a wide range of issues concerning the progress made toward the HFA, as well as the remaining challenges, and highlighted the roles that awareness-raising efforts and education should play in Bangladesh. The presentations also summarized the ADRC's relevant activities in Bangladesh in the past. For more details, please visit the website(http://www.iawe.org/WRDRR_Bangladesh/).

(2009/12/14 13:10)

3-5 November 2009 (Yogyakarta, Indonesia)

   The International Recovery Platform (IRP), the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), and the Department of Architecture and Planning of Gadjah Mada University (DAP/UGM) organized the IRP Regional Workshop "Action by Stakeholders for Effective Management of Post-Disaster Recovery" from 3-5 November 2009 at Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
The following is the highlights of the Workshop.

(2009/11/5 14:20)

28-30 October 2009 (Beijing, China)
 

The International Conference on the Social Mobilization for Catastrophic Disasters and the Formulation of Emergency Laws and Regulations was organized by the Ministry of Civil Affairs of China, was held on 28-30 October 2009 in Beijing, China. Mr. Fujieda, senior researcher of the ADRC was invited to participate in the conference.
 

Around 130 representatives from international organizations, ASEAN member countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Chinese government, regional institutions, NGOs, participated in the Conference.
 

The participants from different countries made presentations on the role of the government in the catastrophe emergency response, developments in the laws and regulations on disaster management and disaster-relief activities from their own perspectives. On the other hand, the participants from China including government, NGOs and other institutions, made presentations on roles of  volunteers, communities and enterprises in relief activities in the case of Whenchuan Earthquake.
Mr. Fujieda made presentation on disaster management laws and systems and disaster emergency response system in Japan in the session titled "the Role of Government in Social Mobilization on Catastrophic Disasters and Laws and Regulation Development".

(2009/10/28  17:30)

5-8 October 2009 (Dhaka, Bangladesh )

    The fourth Workshop on Earthquake Risk Reduction and Recovery Preparedness Programme (ERRP) will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from 10th  to 12th December. Through the workshop the relevant countries will present their outcomes on ERRP while experts will make presentations or give lectures on topics like retrofitting, risk assessment, hazard mapping, area disaster prevention plan, and contingency plan.  On 5th to 8th October, ADRC sent its staff to Bangladesh to consult with Ministry of Food and Disaster Management and UNDP Bangladesh on the holding of the Workshop and exchange views concerning participation of Japanese experts and other issues.  Detailed programme will be announced through ADRC Website once it is set.

(2009/10/19 14:00)

2009/08/17-18 (Bangkok, Thailand)

ADRC organized a regional workshop as part of the "ASEAN Cooperation Project on Capacity Building for Local Government Officials on Disaster Management" in Bangkok, Thailand on 17-18 August 2009 with precious support from Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) of the Thai Government.

ADRC has been implementing the JAPAN-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) Project "the Capacity Building for Local Government Officials on Disaster Management" since August 2008. In implementing this project, ASEAN member countries have been divided into the following three groups:   

•First Year Group (August 2008 - March 2010): Cambodia,
                                                                             Lao PDR and Vietnam;
•Second Year Group (May 2009 - December 2010): Brunei
           Darussalam, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand; and
•Third Year Group (February 2010 - September 2011): Indonesia,
                                                                 Myanmar and Singapore.
The workshop in Bangkok was attended by countries of all three groups so as to achieve the following objectives:  

   (1)  To better understand the concept and direction of
          this project in ASEAN;
   (2)  To facilitate information sharing on the implementation of
          the project; and
   (3)  To help improve the conduct of the project by learning from
          the countries that has undertaken the project.
 
In the Introductory Session, ASEAN Secretariat and ADRC made presentations on the JAIF Project and the progress in this project made to date respectively. In the subsequent sessions, the representatives of each group presented the progress in this project made so far and relevant issues followed by lively discussion and exchange of ideas among participants.

 (2009/08/17 17:30)

11-14 August 2009 (Incheon, Republic of Korea)

ADRC participated in this year's second meeting of the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) held in Incheon Metropolitan City, the Republic of Korea on 13-14 August 2009. The meeting discussed the follow-up action to the Second Session of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), which was held 16-19 June 2009, the finalisation of the Kuala Lumpur Action Plan on DRR, and preparations for the Fourth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR), which will be held in Incheon Metropolitan City on 25-28 October 2010.

Dr. Yeon-Soo Park, Vice Administrator, the National Emergency Management Agency, the Republic of Korea, put forward his comprehensive proposal for the fourth AMCDRR in a very positive manner. He also detailed preparatory steps to be taken by various partners, i.e. member state governments, international organisations and other institutions.

Furthermore, participating organisations shared information on their recent attempts to follow up on the HFA midterm review, Kuala Lumpur Action Plan, etc. ADRC Executive Director Mr. Atsushi KORESAWA presented some of the ADRC's ongoing and future activities by putting a stress on the Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2010 (ACDR 2010) to be held in Kobe city, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan from 17-19 January 2010, back to back with other relevant meetings such as the IRP Recovery Forum. He also informed the participants that details of such events would be provided in due course on the website of ADRC.

In addition, ADRC had a chance to participate in the opening ceremony of the UNISDR Education and Training Institute for Urban Risk reduction and the UNISDR Northeast Asia Office, which was held on 11 August and the conference on "Building a Local governance Alliance for Disaster Risk Reduction" jointly hosted by UNSIDR and Incheon Metropolitan City.

(2009/08/25 17:40)

15-17 July 2009 (Bali, Indonesia)

Sentinel Asia Project was established to build a disaster management system by using a satellite image in Asia region. The international conference, Joint Project Meeting for Sentinel Asia, has been held to share the latest activities every year. In this year, this conference was held in Bali, Indonesia and attended by 117 participants from 43 organizations including ADRC.
The objectives of the JPTM2009 were to introduce the progress concerning utilization of satellite and make discussion implementation of a new program for Sentinel Asia.
ADRC reported the several activities about the Emergency Observation Request in this year and the installation of the regional support office of UNSPIDER. In addition, ADRC proposed the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood Working as a new project with Keio University and ICIMOD, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

（2009/07/27 18:30)

28-29 May 2009 (Chengdu, China)

ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Workshop on Cooperation of Capacity Building of Disaster Relief, organized by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, was held on 28-29 May in Chengdu, China.
In the opening ceremony speech, Mr. Li Xueju, Minister of Civil Affairs of China noted that Europe and Asia should reinforce the exchanges of knowledge and experience and cooperation in disaster reduction and relief. Asian countries have rich experience in disaster relief, while the European countries possess advanced technology and management concepts. Both sides should overcome their own shortcomings by learning from each other's strong points.
Total of 160 representatives from 32 member countries of the Asia-Europe Meeting and international organizations are present at the workshop.
The workshop focused on four core thematic areas: (1) disaster preparedness and emergency relief; (2) rehabilitation and reconstruction; (3) public-private partnership in disaster relief; and (4) disaster reduction and risk management. ADRC made a presentation entitled "Build Back Better" to introduce the activities of its own and IRP(International Recovery Platform).
Participants also visited the earthquake-affected areas in Dujianyan, Sichuan Province.

(2009/06/05 19:20)

28-29 April 2009 Seoul, KOREA

The ADRC participated in the 4th meeting of the Working-Group on Disaster Prevention and Preparedness which was jointly organized by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Typhoon Committee Secretariat, and the National Emergency Management Agency of the Republic of Korea in Seoul on 8-29 April 2009.

The 22 participants who attended the meeting included representatives from China, Japan, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Thailand, USA, Viet Nam, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as representatives from the three organizing institutions.

During the meeting, participants discussed future activities of the working group, such as upgrade of the Typhoon Committee Disaster Information System (TCDIS), which is expected to be a useful typhoon- related disaster database for Asia. The ADRC gave a presentation on the role of GLIDE numbers, which are to be assigned to disasters contained in the individual databases of different organizations, and on the ADRC's contributions to the working group this year. The next meeting scheduled is the Integrated Workshop of the Typhoon Committee, to be held in the third week of September in the Philippines.

The Typhoon Committee has two other working groups on meteorology and hydrology, in addition to the working group on disaster prevention and preparedness.

(2009/05/13 12:20)

19 April 2009 (Bandung, Indonesia)

The kick-off meeting for Multi-disciplinary Hazard Reduction from Earthquakes and Volcanoes in Indonesia funded by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) and JST (Japan Science and Technology Agency) was held on 21st April in Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) and University of Tokyo. This project was approved by JICA-JST as one of the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development projects （http://www.jst.go.jp/global/index.html） for natural disaster prevention. The kick-off meeting was simultaneously held in ITB and University of Tokyo with the across-the-board support by the SOI (School on Internet) Asia (http://www.soi.asia/about/index.html) that is advanced internet infrastructure for information and communication technology.

In the kick-off meeting, after the opening remarks from Dr. Harjono, (Deputy to the Chair of LIPI for Earth Science, LIPI = Indonesian Institute of Science) and Prof. Satake (University of Tokyo), each group leader organized the session and discussed the project goal and implementation modality.

In the session for Group 6, Mr. Suzuki (Executive Director of Asian Disaster Reduction Center) and Dr. Pariatmono (Assistant for Deputy Minister for Development of Mathematics and Natural Science, Ministry of Research and Technology, RISTEK) facilitated the discussion on the project goals and all group leaders introduced their experiences and lessons learned on the government-academia collaboration on disaster risk reduction.

(2009/04/21 13:10)

3-5 November 2008 (Kathmandu, Nepal)

The annual meeting of the Asian Disaster Reduction and Response Network (ADRRN) 2008 was held in Kathmandu, Nepal on 3-5 November 2008. In the meeting, titled Learning through and from the Network, approximately 40 participants from NGOs and international organizations as well as the ADRC had active discussions in order to further reinforce the activities of their organizations and ADRRN toward DRR.

(2008/11/03 17:40)