Mongolia forges ahead on Sendai Framework

Source(s): United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Asia and Pacific
Head of UNISDR, Ms. Margareta Wahlström, pictured today in Ulan Bator with the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr. Chimed Saikhanbileg, where they discussed implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. (Photo: UNISDR)

Head of UNISDR, Ms. Margareta Wahlström, pictured today in Ulan Bator with the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr. Chimed Saikhanbileg, where they discussed implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. (Photo: UNISDR)

ULAN BATOR, 12 May 2015 - The head of UNISDR Margareta Wahlström today met with the Prime Minister of Mongolia, Mr. Chimed Saikhanbileg, as the country embarks on implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, the global plan of action adopted in March at the World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

In his dialogue with Ms. Wahlström today, Prime Minister Saikhanbileg emphasised: “We have the clear intention and commitment to integrate disaster risk reduction into our development plans.”

Their meeting followed the convening by the Deputy Prime Minister, Ukhnaa Khurelshukh, of the country's first High Level National Development Dialogue on Monday when it was announced that after the adoption of the Sendai Framework, Mongolia has now created a National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

Mongolia is also developing a national disaster loss database and has already translated the Sendai Framework into the national language.

Chairing the National Development Dialogue held in Government Palace, Mr. Khurelshukh said policy development for disaster risk reduction must be science-based and called for a collective approach from government and non-government actors.

The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the importance of a multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder coordination mechanism to integrate disaster risk reduction in to development as the country in order to established goes about establishing a National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction has been established following

Ms. Wahlström said she was “pleased to see that Mongolia has taken a lead in beginning discussions on how to implement and make use of the Sendai Framework at national level.

“The national system to respond to fight disaster has been built up over the decades and it continues to be strengthened through investment in human capacity and resources for response. The challenge now is to move into managing the risk of disasters, over and beyond managing the disaster event. Prevention is better than cure and definitely more cost effective.”

She said that as a nation Mongolia has learned from severe winter weather or “dzuds” which have highlighted the country’s vulnerabilities. Ms. Wahlström said she was encouraged that the Government is committed to mainstreaming disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into sectoral policies and programmes.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Sezin Sinanoglu emphasized that our development choices today determine whether we are disaster prone tomorrow. “Disaster risk reduction is a cross cutting multi sectoral challenge and can be fully realized if it is integrated through development”, she said.

The High level panel comprised ministers from environment and finance; parliamentarians; the President of the Red Cross Society of Mongolia; and development partners such as The World Bank. The discussion underlined that the political leadership is crucial for risk sensitive investment and coordination is key for coherence among disaster risk reduction, sustainable development and climate change.

Ms. Wahlstrom also took the opportunity of her visit to discuss the Sendai Framework in meetings with Mrs Dulamsuren Oyunkhorol, Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism; Mr. Jargaltuga Erdenebat,Minister of Finance; Mr. Gankhuyaq Shiilegdamba, Minister of Health and Sports; Mr. Damdin Tsogtbaatar, Minister of Construction and Urban Development; Mr. Yadmaa Tumurbaatar, Vice Minister of Education; Mr. Myegombo Enkhbold, Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Vice Mayor of Ulan Bator city, Mr. Bat-Erdene Togooch; Mr. Nyamaa Enkhbold, President of Mongolian Red Cross; and Badral Tuvshin, Chief, National Emergency Management Agency.

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 maps out a broad, people-centred approach to disaster risk reduction and applies to small-scale and large-scale disasters caused by natural or man-made hazards as well as related environmental, technological and biological hazards and risks. It aims to guide the multi-hazard management of disaster risk in development at all levels as well as within and across sectors. It sets seven targets for a substantial reduction in disaster losses and recognizes that strong political leadership and commitment is required to achieve the outcome.

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