Organizational
features
Why was the
title “platform” chosen?
The platform will be a small proactive unit that aims to spearhead and
coordinate a new thrust of concerted international action on early
warning in order to reduce the risks and impacts of disasters The term “platform” was
introduced at EWC-II and was chosen over alternatives such as “office”, “center”, “secretariat” or “institute”,
in order to emphasize the unit’s catalytic role to stimulate
dialogue and cooperation, and to attract the partnerships and resources
toward effective international and national programs.
Relationship to the ISDR Secretariat
In
order to support the platform, the ISDR Secretariat has established the
office in Bonn. This office is primarily concerned with the early
warning platform, but it also contributes to other ISDR activities, particularly
on climate and water. Conversely, the other offices of the ISDR contribute
their specialized inputs to serve the needs of the early warning platform.
The office will also enable the ISDR Secretariat to expand
its relationships and activities with important groups there – such
as the Secretariat of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification,
the Secretariat of the
UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, United Nations Volunteers,
and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human
Security. For a brochure on all the UN organizations in Bonn, working
toward sustainable development, click here [pdf
2.41 Mb].
Partnerships and collaboration
Partnerships will be critical to the success of the platform. PPEW will
seek to build networks, promote active dialogue and shared agendas, stimulate
new partnerships and launch new activities. It will encourage coordination
among the major stakeholders concerned with early warning and related
risk management, including UN bodies, such as WMO, UNEP, UNESCO, FAO,
and many other organizations spanning policymaking, civil protection,
risk reduction, hazards prediction, natural resources management, education
and training, sustainable development, etc.
Types of activities
PPEW activities include the production of information products, good
practice information, databases and a web site; advocacy events and lobbying
at international meetings; organizing of workshops and studies on critical
issues; the development of policy papers and tools such as benchmarks
and targets; and networking and partnership development.
Personnel
PPEW current
personnel are professionals with backgrounds in the climate and earth
sciences, and in international development and development economics.
They have experience in early warning, policy work, communications
and outreach, and have worked in developing countries. Visitors and
interns will join the Platform from time to time.
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