Earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria
The Head of UNDRR, Ms Mami Mizutori, issued a statement on the 6 February earthquakes that devastated southeast Türkiye and northwest Syria. This is one of the biggest disasters to impact the region in recent times. The full support of the international community is needed to help those affected and to ensure that cities and towns are built back better. This crisis will be a true litmus test for global generosity, solidarity and diplomacy.
Regional Platform in the Americas and the Caribbean
Science, technology and early warning systems are the themes for the 8th Session of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Americas and the Caribbean. Convened by UNDRR and hosted by Uruguay, from 28 February to 2 March, the Regional Platform is a critical mechanism to monitor and advance progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. As a hybrid event, many of the sessions can be watched online.
Main Findings and Recommendations of the Midterm Review
As the Sendai Framework enters its midpoint, a report on the main findings and recommendations of the midterm review process has been published online. The report summarizes submissions and inputs provided by Member States and non-State stakeholders and others. The findings and recommendations will inform deliberations on a Political Declaration expected to be adopted at a High-Level Meeting of the UN General Assembly, planned for 18-19 May at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Launch of EW4All in the Caribbean
To mobilize support for the implementation of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative, a regional launch event was organized by UNDRR and partners in Bridgetown, Barbados, on 1 February. The event was hosted by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, and was attended by regional leaders and the heads of UN agencies.
Sudan’s National Platform
Sudan held its second National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Khartoum on 13-14 February, with support from the UNDRR Regional Office for Arab States. Organized around the theme of ‘early warning and early action for flood risks, torrents, and drought,’ the platform was an important opportunity to bring together government ministries and stakeholders to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead and raise awareness about the various hazards facing Sudan.
Understanding and communicating existing and future risks
The 3rd European Forum for Disaster Risk Reduction (EFDRR) Action-Oriented Dialogue was held on 23-24 February in Bucharest, Romania. Organized by the UNDRR Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in partnership with Romania, the Dialogue brought together civil protection authorities from across the region to identify ways to enhance evidence-based risk communication as an enabler for disaster risk reduction.
