Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI-UKM)

 

Third Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The Third Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction with the overarching theme of “Multi-stakeholder Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction from National to Local” was organised by the National Security Council, Prime Minister’s Department, Government of Malaysia, United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) and other Conference Partners including SEADPRI-UKM. The focus was on public-private-partnership for disaster risk reduction and community based disaster risk reduction activities. The Conference was officiated by the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Razak on 2 December 2008 at the Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Mr. Salvano Briceno, Director of the ISDR was also in attendance and he later launched the document on Good Practices on Public Private Practices for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Third Asian Ministerial Conference aimed to review actions taken by countries in conjuction with stakeholders for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action as a follow-up to the Beijing Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia and the Delhi Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia in 2007. It also served as a platform to share and exchange good practices and lessons learned on disaster risk reduction as well as prepare for key global processes such as the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, particularly to develop a vision and roadmap to strengthen and expand partnerships, facilitate better recognition of community-based activities and promote the mobilisation of adequate policy and financial support. The Conference revolved around the following six themes:-

  • Public-Private Partnership in Disaster Risk Financing;
  • High Technology and Scientific Applications to Disaster Risk Reduction including Climate Change Adaptation;
  • Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction;
  • Mobilizing Resources for Disaster Risk Reduction;
  • Media Involvement in Disaster Risk Reduction; and
  • Public Awareness and Education for Disaster Risk Reduction.

For each of the six themes, there was a Technical Session followed by a High Level Roundtable Dialogue. Each Technical Session comprised disaster risk reduction experts and practitioners, who articulated the technical challenges and made key recommendations for actions to be considered by Ministers. SEADPRI-UKM led the theme on High Technology and Scientific Applications to Disaster Risk Reduction including Climate Change Adaptation, in conjunction with the International Telecommunication Unit (ITU) and several key partners.

There was also a Ministerial Segment involving 43 Ministers and Senior Officials and 6 representatives of international organizations, who deliver statements on their progress in disaster risk reduction. In addition, there were two Special Sessions, ten Side Events and eight Pre-Conference events. All the events served as platforms for taking stock of initiatives taken in various sub-regions of Asia for promoting cooperation and building partnerships for disaster risk reduction among nations, both within and outside the governments; and sharing of good practices and lessons learned on disaster risk reduction in various fields.

The Third Asian Ministerial Conference culminated with the adoption of the “Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia, 2008” by the Ministers and Heads of Delegations involved. The Declaration lays testimony to public-private-partnership and community-based disaster participation in disaster risk reduction and charts the way forward for Asia. SEADPRI-UKM is proud to have served the Government of Malaysia, in particular the National Security Council of the Prime Minister’s Department, in drafting the Kuala Lumpur Declaration.