Arab region takes steps to reduce disaster risk, endorses Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction

Heads of States welcomed and endorsed the "Arab Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction 2020" in recognition of the increasing risk and frequency of disasters that challenge the development process in the region during the 2nd Summit for Socio Economic Development of the Council of Arab Ministers Responsible for the Environment (CAMRE) held in Egypt in January 2011.

The Strategy aims to reduce the cost and loss from disasters, in lives and in the social, economic and environmental assets of communities and countries across the Arab region.

The League of Arab States through CAMRE led the development of this strategy in collaboration with UNISDR Regional Office for Arab States and with the contributions of many regional technical institutes, UN agencies, the World Bank, IFRC and civil society networks. The Strategy was initially adopted during the 22nd session of the CAMRE held in Cairo, 19-20 December 2010, which was followed by the development of a detailed programme of action for implementation of the strategy's priorities.