MANILA, Philippines (June 1, 2014) — A new international disaster risk reduction and management framework called the “Tacloban Declaration” will be launched during an international conference to be held in Manila from June 4 to 6.
The forum, called the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, was initiated by President Benigno Aquino III and announced in the previous ASEM Summit in 2012.
The “Tacloban Declaration” will detail new policies and principles for dealing with and preparing for calamities. It seeks to take the place of the decade-old Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) which ASEM adopted as a standard approach to DRRM. The HFA is set to end in 2015.
New strategies
Delegates at the conference will discuss how to apply new technology and innovations into disaster risk reduction policies. How to strengthen the state and other stakeholders in dealing with calamities is another topic in the agenda.
The forum will explore ways to improve the international response to disasters through coordination and specialization. There will also be discussion on rehabilitation disaster-struck communities and building back better.
High-ranking officials from international agencies, world leaders and heads of state are expected to grace the ASEM forum.
They include Kristalina Georgieva, European Union Commissioner for International Cooperation, Humanitarian Aid and Crisis and Margareta Wahlstrom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Vietnam Vice Minister of Agriculture Hoàng Văn Thắng will also be present.
Around 150 national and local government officials, scientists, business leaders, non-governmental organizations and members of international organizations from 36 countries in Asia and Europe are expected to attend. - Rappler.com