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Ban set to launch UN report on global disaster risk reduction

Ban set to launch UN report on global disaster risk reduction

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Tomorrow in Bahrain, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to launch a United Nations report on curbing disaster risk, which examines the causes of disasters and the main so-called 'risk drivers.'

The 200-page UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) study, entitled “Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk,” will argue that the poor in both wealthy and less developed nations will continue to pay the highest cost of disasters.

It will point out that investing in disaster risk reduction will promote poverty reduction, development and adaptation to climate change.

The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), among other UN institutions, also contributed their expertise and data to create the new report, the UN's first to recommend 20 actions to reduce disaster risk which will in turn boost global security, stability and sustainability.

In remarks at the study's launching ceremony tomorrow in Bahrain's capital, Manama, Mr. Ban is expected to appeal to all countries to step up efforts to minimize disaster risk as outlined in the Hyogo Framework for Action, the 10-year programme adopted in January 2005 which calls for investing heavily in disaster preparedness and strengthening the capacity of disaster-prone countries to address the risks.

While in Bahrain, the Secretary-General is scheduled to meet with Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, as well as other senior officials.