The United Nations special thematic session on water and disasters

This Special Session on Water and Disasters, an initiative of Secretary-General, will be held at the United Nations to raise awareness on risks and challenges, share experiences and good practices, and discuss global action on water and disasters. The Themtaic Session is being organized by the The United Nations Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation (UNSGAB) and the High Level Expert Panel on Water and Disasters (HLEP/UNSGAB).

During the past decade, water-related disasters have been increasingly severe, hampering sustainable development by causing political, social, and economic shocks in many countries. Disaster risks, particularly economic loss risks, are increasing due to risk drivers such as climate variability and environmental degradation, as well as increased exposure of people and assets. Over the past 30 years, the proportion of people living in flood-prone river basins increased by 114 percent and on cyclone-exposed coastlines by 192 percent.

The Session will take place on March 6 from 9:30 am up until the closing ceremony at 6:00 pm. There will be multiple panels with breaks in between. Side events will take place on March 5 in NLB Room 6. For details on each panel's themes and speakers, please see attached flyer. All representatives, staff members and experts of Missions, Observers, Secretariat & UN agencies with a UN Grounds Pass can attend.

How to register