Achieving MDGs with Disaster Risk Reduction

Source(s): United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly acknowledged in the outcome document of the 2010 MDG Summit the importance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The outcome document, which includes an action plan for achieving the MDGs by 2015, was adopted by consensus on 22 September at the end of the three-day summit in New York.

In the document, the General Assembly acknowledged that DRR and increasing resilience to all types of natural hazards in developing countries can have multiplier effects and accelerate achievement of the MDGs. As a result, reducing vulnerabilities to these hazards is a high priority for developing countries.

The General Assembly also recognized that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have unique and particular vulnerabilities. The SIDS continue to struggle against the effects of these hazards, some of which are increasing in intensity, as well as with the effects of climate change which impedes progress towards sustainable development. The General Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to take urgent and concrete action to address these vulnerabilities through the full and effective implementation of the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, also made a strong statement at the MDG Summit Plenary, highlighting the importance of reducing disaster risk and partnerships in order to achieve the MDGs.

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