Lars Bernd, Programme Officer, National Platforms, UNISDR Secretariat, Geneva, bernd@un

1. Thematic Session 1: Inter-Institutional Mechanisms, networks and national platforms - National Platforms for DRR Lars Bernd, Programme Officer, National Platforms, UNISDR Secretariat, Geneva, bernd@un.org www.unisdr.org First session of the Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction of the Americas – Panama – 17-19 March 2009

2. National Platforms – Overview of developments in 2008 • Number of National Platforms (slowly) increasing • More recognition and interest to work through and support National Platforms among ISDR system partners (UN, IFRC, WB, regional and bilateral agencies) New NPs declared in 2008/ 09: • Asia/Pacific:Sri Lanka (January 2008), Indonesia (2008/2009) • Central Asia : Kazakhstan (January 2008) • Europe: Italy (January 2008) • Africa : Senegal (March 2008 – launched in 2005 with UNISDR support, but never formalized) • Americas:Dominican Republic (March 2008), El Salvador, Jamaica (July 2008), Argentina (October 2008), Peru (February 2009)

3. Kyrgyzstan Tajikistan Uzbekistan Nepal Viet Nam Bahrain Burundi Bangla- desh Djibouti Argentina Colombia Costa Rica Dominican Republic El Salvador Ecuador Jamaica Nicaragua Panama USA Venezuela Cape Verde Maldives Seychelles Countries with National Platforms for DRR Countries expressing interest to establish NPs

4. Dispelled myths - Understanding that NP does not mean naturally setting up a new institution and that it can have several ramifications • Recognition for National Platforms as: • An appropriate tool to involve multiple stakeholders and multiple sectors • A way to ensure more systematic exchange, joint work programming and implementation of HFA key activities • A mechanism for more efficient and effective reduction of risks linking humanitarian, development and climate change adaptation actors • The official ISDR system mechanism at national level, closely linked to regional and international processes • Appropriate human and financial resources and support are available to equip National Platforms and HFA Focal points to carry out what is expected from them and on a longer-term basis • National Platform is a key player in reducing risks at both national and sub-national/ local level achieving tangible results by spearheading implemention of HFA key activities • Are we there?

5. Discussion points Have National Platforms (or other multi-stakeholder national coordination mechanisms) in Latin America and the Caribbean reached their full potential and respond to what is expected from them in terms of inclusive national coordination, support for mainstreaming, advocacy, awareness-raising and capacity development, measuring and reporting on progress? If not, what is needed to improve their role and functioning? Which specific action points do you suggest and who should be involved in it?

6. Discussion points (cont‘d) • Official and de facto recognition of National Platform/ other multi-stakeholder national mechanism as important entity to consult for decision-making on DRR/ development programming and implementation (and de facto progress in influencing policy making, programmes and implemention) – appropriate institutional anchoring • Buy-in and support (incl. involvement) by national, regional and int. development and humanitarian agencies, NGOs and banks • Efficiency of national systems and role of National Platform, incl vis-à-vis other national focal point systems (avoiding duplication, reducing transaction costs, learning from experience), • Inclusiveness of existing systems and National Platforms (Does any stakeholder have a voice? Do we effectively galvanize the full potential of diverse actors?), • Link between the national and the sub-national local level (relevance of National Platform action for local level risk reduction/ building of resilience) • Effectiveness of information-sharing and exchange on a regional/ sub-regional and international scale (Do we learn from others? Do others learn from us? Do we have/ do we use appropriate information-sharing channels?)

7. Way forward/ Global Platform/ HFA mid-term review Role of National Platforms in Regional and Global Platform processes What is Latin American and Caribbean National Platforms‘ message and recommendations to the ISDR community and beyond gathering at Global Platform in June 2009 in Geneva? How should the Global Platform‘s Chair summary support National Platforms? Which decisions and key action should be taken at national, regional/ sub-regional and global level on National Platforms by 2011 and 2015?

8. Composición de Plataformas Nacionales Comité Nacional (Departamental) Directivo/Gabinete/ Parlamento/Oficina Comunidades por el Desarrollo, Humanitarios, Cambio Climático CNGD/ONGD/PF MAH “Coordinador”/ “Secretaria” Plataforma Nacional ONGs Nac. Planificación Presupuestaria incluida Munici- palidades Servicios Técnicos Ministerios FICR? Cruz/Media Luna Roja + ? CBOs Asociaciones Profesionales Media Sector Privado Sector Académico Victimas de Desastre? Org. religiosas? Disabled? ONU? Agencias Bilat.? ONGs Int.? Communities and volunteers Cuestiones de genero

9. Composition of National Platforms National (Ministerial) Steering Committee/Cabinet/ Parliament/ Board Development, Humanitarian, Climate change communities NDMC/ NDMO/HFA FP “Coordinator”/ “Secretariat” National Platform incl. Planning Finance Nat. NGOs Technical Services Munici- palities Line Ministries CBOs Red Cross/ Crescent Media + ? Academia Private Sector Professional associations Disaster Victims? IFRC? Int. NGOs? UN? Disabled? Bilat. agencies? Communities and volunteers Gender balance

12. Niveles de acción del sistema de la EIRD (“plataformas”)Definir prioridades: Información estrategica, orientación y evaluación de los progresos Implementación nacional Marcos nacionales, varios actores, Plataformas Nacionales para la RRD Apoyo por parte de las Naciones Unidas en el país y/o BM – en su caso Regional Basada en estrategias y mecanismos regionales y sub-regionales ya existentes Por ejemplo: CEPREDENAC – CDERA – PLEASE ADD OTHERS and add a reference to a Strategy Programa de la EIRD Coordinar esfuerzos internacionales y regionales para apoyar las capacidades nacionales y locales Temática Basándose en los redes, grupos, programas y otros mecanismos ya existentes PLEASE ADD REFERENCES FROM THE AMERICAS Plataforma Mundial para la RRD Sesiones Bianuales Informe de Evaluación Global

13. ISDR system levels of action (“platforms”)Define priorities: Strategic information, guidance and assessments of progress National implementation National frameworks, multi-stakeholders, and multi disciplinary National Platforms for DRR Support from UN country team and/or WB – when appropriate Regional Based on existing regional and sub-regional strategies and mechanisms e.g. Africa: African Union with RECs – African Strategy for DRR ISDR programme coordinated internationaland regional efforts to support national and local capacities Thematic Building on existing networks, clusters, programmes and other mechanisms Africa: Drought network; Floods (Climate change); Environment (AMCEN) Global Platform for DRR Biennual sessions Global Assessment Report

19. Thank you United Nations, secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction International Environment House II 7-9 Chemin de Balexert, CH 1219 Chatelaine Geneva 10, SwitzerlandTel: +41 22 917 8908/8907Fax: +41 22 917 8964isdr@un.org

20. Muchas Gracias United Nations, secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction International Environment House II 7-9 Chemin de Balexert, CH 1219 Chatelaine Geneva 10, SwitzerlandTel: +41 22 917 8908/8907Fax: +41 22 917 8964isdr@un.org

21. However, National Platforms mostly not visible and strong enough: • NPs in most countries not yet considered as a key institution when planning risk reduction activities (focus on NDMO) • NPs not yet systematically involved in development planning (at times not even by ISDR partners) • Mostly combining both disaster management and disaster risk reduction function, which tends to give a biais to emergency preparedness, management and recovery rather than mitigation • Often lack of funding, lack of official and/or de facto recognition, lack of staffing and at times capacities – external support remains critical • In sum: mostly still weak • Need for additional buy in and proactive support by ISDR system partners including primarily (sub-)Regional Organisations, I/NGOs, private sector, IFIs, traditional ISDR system partners

22. Mostly combining both disaster management and disaster risk reduction function, which tends to give a biais to emergency preparedness, management and recovery rather than mitigation • Often lack of funding, lack of official and/or de facto recognition, lack of staffing and at times capacities – external support remains mostly critical • Need for additional buy in and proactive support by ISDR system partners including primarily (sub-)Regional Organisations, I/NGOs, private sector, IFIs, traditional ISDR system partners

23. Points for discussion/ What could be done: • Full potential not yet reached • Progress remains too slow • A lot of transaction cost • More involement by egional organisations • Better information sharing and available of proven experience/ good practice • Support fr • Recognition of HFA FPs institutions and NPs by international community („work through NPs“ – require „NPs involvement in development“) + financial and technical support • Upscaled role of (sub-)Regional organisations that follow the HFA and intensify support to build strong NPs: • Capacity development • Information sharing • Technical support on institutional anchoring, setting up, policy and legislative framework, action planning (consultancies) • Support to harmonise Focal point system of various organisations and harmonisation of DRR programmes • Proactive use of communication tools and more systematic exchange of information through existing communication tools and communities of practice • Mostly combining both disaster management and disaster risk reduction function, which tends to give a biais to emergency preparedness, management and recovery rather than mitigation • Often lack of funding, lack of official and/or de facto recognition, lack of staffing and at times capacities – external support remains mostly critical • Need for additional buy in and proactive support by ISDR system partners including primarily (sub-)Regional Organisations, I/NGOs, private sector, IFIs, traditional ISDR system partners

24. Plataformas Nacionales – una definición • Un foro o comité nacional de múltiples partes interesadas • Promueve la RRD en diferentes niveles • Proporciona coordinación, análisis y asesoramiento en las áreas prioritarias que requieren una acción concertada a través de un proceso coordinado y participativo. • A commitment to work on prevention, preparedness and mitigation instead of merely focusing on disaster management and recovery • Como tal, son mencionadas en la Acción Prioritaria 1 del Marco de Acción de Hyogo - aprobado por 168 Estados Previamente eran mencionadas en la Resolución 1999/63 del Consejo Económico y Social y en la Resolución A/RES/59/231 2005 de la Asamblea General de la ONU • A nationally owned and ledforum or committee of multi-stakeholders • Serves as an advocate for DRR at different levels • Provides coordination, analysis and advice on areas of priority requiring concerted action through a coordinated and participatory process. • A commitment to work on prevention, preparedness and mitigation instead of merely focusing on disaster management and recovery • As such it is mentioned in the Hyogo Framework for Action’s Priority of Action 1 – adopted by 168 States • Previously referred to in UN Economic and Social Council Resolution 1999/63 and 2005 UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/59/231

25. Plataformas Nacionales – unadefinición(continuación) • Deberían ser el mecanismo de coordinación para la incorporaciónde la RRD en las políticas de desarrollo, la planificación y los programas en consonancia con la aplicación del Marco de Acción de Hyogo • Deberían contribuir a la creación y al desarrollo de un sistema nacional de RRD que corresponde a cada país y que lo protege. • No son necesariamente nuevas instituciones, sino construidas sobre las ya existentes, para convertirse en un foro para el intercambio y la toma de decisiones, para coordinar la RRD como una herramienta multisectorial compuesta por varios actores multi-sectoral- ,multi-stakeholder-, multi-level tool • Should be the coordination mechanism for mainstreaming DRR into development policies, planning and programmes in line with the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action • Should aim to contribute to the establishment and the development of a comprehensive national DRR system, as appropriate to each country and be its custodian. • They are not necessarily new institutions, but ideally build on existing national coordinating mechanisms to become a forum for exchange and decision-making for coordinated DRR as a: • multi-sectoral- , • multi-stakeholder-, • multi-level tool

26. Plataformas Nacionales – una definición(continuación) Una Plataforma Nacional NO es la institución que actúa como el punto focal del MAH, la Institución Nacional de Gestión de Desastres, un comité nacional directivo integrado por los ministerios del Gobierno, la Dirección Nacional de Protección Civil, …composed of Government Ministries only …but may well be an existing national partnership forum or national coordinating mechanism, provided it is truly multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral and respects a country’s diversity. It may keep its name and just becomes officially declared as National Platform for DRR Hyogo Framework for Action: “The expression “national platform” is a generic term used for national mechanisms for coordination and policy guidance on disaster risk reduction that need to be multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary in nature, with public, private and civil society participation involving all concerned entities within a country. National platforms represent the national mechanism for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.” (§16, 10) National Platforms are NOT the HFA Focal Point institution/ the National Disaster Management Institution, the Civil Protection Service, a National Steering Committee composed of Government Ministries only …but may well be an existing national partnership forum or national coordinating mechanism, provided it is truly multi-stakeholder, multi-sectoral and respects a country’s diversity. It may keep its name and just becomes officially declared as National Platform for DRR Hyogo Framework for Action: “The expression “national platform” is a generic term used for national mechanisms for coordination and policy guidance on disaster risk reduction that need to be multi-sectoral and inter-disciplinary in nature, with public, private and civil society participation involving all concerned entities within a country. National platforms represent the national mechanism for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.” (§16, 10)

27. UN resolutions on National Platforms In 1999, the UN Economic and Social Council, Resolution 1999/63, “called on all Governments to maintain and strengthen established national and multi-sectoral platforms for natural disaster reduction in order to achieve sustainable development goals and objectives, with the full utilization of scientific and technical means.” In 2005, the UN General Assembly, resolution A/RES/59/231: “called upon Governments to establish national platforms or focal points for disaster reduction, encourages government to strengthen platforms where they have already exist, urges United Nations system to provide appropriate support to those mechanisms…”

28. The “Hyogo Framework for Action”and National Platforms Strategic Goal 2: “Development and strengthening of institutions, mechanisms and capacities to build resilience to hazards”. Priority of Action 1: “Ensure that disaster risk reduction (DRR) is a national and a local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation.” Key activity under PA1 (§16 (i) (a)):“Support the creation and strengthening of national integrated mechanisms, such as multisectoral national platforms, with designated responsibilities at the national through to the local levels to facilitate coordination across sectors. National platforms should also facilitate coordination across sectors, including by maintaining a broad based dialogue at national and regional levels for promoting awareness among the relevant sectors.”

29. The “Hyogo Framework for Action”and support to National Platforms “E. The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction 33. The partners in the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, in particular, the Inter-Agency Task Force on Disaster Reduction and its members, in collaboration with relevant national, regional, international and United Nations bodies and supported by the inter-agency secretariat for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, are requested to (…) (d) Ensure support to national platforms for disaster reduction, including through the clear articulation of their role and value added, as well as regional coordination, to support the different advocacy and policy needs and priorities set out in this Framework for Action, through coordinated regional facilities for disaster reduction, building on regional programmes and outreach advisors from relevant partners;”

30. Buenas Prácticas de las Plataformas Nacionales • Aumento de la cooperación sistemática entre los ministerios competentes, los donantes y los organismos de las Naciones Unidas a nivel de país • Vehículo para el diálogo nacional y la política de orientación para las evaluaciones de riesgo y papel en la planificación del desarrollo y la recuperación • Participación del sector educativo para promover la reducción del riesgo de desastres en la escuela • Fortalecimiento de la preparación ante los desastres y desarrollo de planes de contingencia • Fortalecimiento de la cooperación regional para promover la reducción del riesgo de desastres • Achieving higher political commitment and engagement of politicians for disaster risk reduction (Costa Rica, Gabon, Nigeria...), • IntegratingDRR into national policy and legislationand development plans (China, Colombia, Djibouti, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda…), • Setting up sub-national DRM committees and promoting community participation in DRR through awareness-raising and capacity-building activities (China, France Germany, Japan, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Switzerland…); • Engaging the media, private sector and/or insurance sector for DRR (Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Switzerland…) • Setting standards in natural hazard preparedness (Madagascar)

31. I La Reducción del Riesgo de Desastres: Aumento de la resiliencia de las comunidades hacia un desarrollo sostenible Plataformas Nacionales para la Reducción del Riesgo de Desastres • 45 Plataformas Nacionales designadas • ¿Que hace la EIRD/ONU? • Ayuda a establecer, motivar (taller y dialogo entre varios actores, dirigidos por los ministerios interesados) Evaluación de las capacidades (con CADRI, el PNUD….) • Organiza reuniones regionales entre las plataformas nacionales una o dos veces al ano (con un enfoque temático) – Reuniones ministeriales con la UA • Asistencia: • Fortalecer el papel de las organizaciones regionales • Programas WB GFDRR Track II • Programas de apoyo del PNUD • Campañas de concientización • Participación en reuniones mundiales como la Plataforma Mundial para la RRD • Talleres y formaciones regionales y temáticos • Intercambio de información (Revista, pagina Web) • Facilitar intercambios entre expertos • Consortium del Océano Indico - Tsunami SAT

32. Ejemplos del apoyo de la EIRD a las Plataformas Nacionales • (En su mayoría en colaboración con las Oficinas Nacionales del PNUD) Apoyo a la planificación y ejecución de diálogos entre diversas partes interesadas, como requisito previo para la puesta en marcha de las Plataformas Nacionales • Con los actores del sistema de la EIRD, apoyo en la creación de las Plataformas Nacionales a través de un apoyo técnico para los talleres nacionales • Análisis institucional de PN para optimizar su funcionamiento • Desarrollo de documentos de orientación y sobre buenas prácticas • Contribución a los procesos estratégicos dirigidos por el PNUD para elaborar planes nacionales de acción (SNAPs) y para asegurar la alineación con el MAH • Facilitación del intercambio y de " twinning" entre PN para promover las experiencias de aprendizaje y el desarrollo de capacidades

33. UN/ISDR secretariat support to National Platforms • (En su mayoría en colaboración con las Oficinas Nacionales del PNUD) Apoyo a la planificación y ejecución de diálogos entre diversas partes interesadas, como requisito previo para la puesta en marcha de las Plataformas Nacionales • Con los actores del sistema de la EIRD, apoyo en la creación de las Plataformas Nacionales a través de un apoyo técnico para los talleres nacionales • Análisis institucional de PN para optimizar su funcionamiento • Desarrollo de documentos de orientación y sobre buenas prácticas • Contribución a los procesos estratégicos dirigidos por el PNUD para elaborar planes nacionales de acción (SNAPs) y para asegurar la alineación con el MAH • Facilitación del intercambio y de " twinning" entre PN para promover las experiencias de aprendizaje y el desarrollo de capacidades • Promote and help establishing NPs and multi-stakeholder dialogue meetings (led by line-Ministry – implemented in support to/with UN RC) • Organise global and regional thematic meetings and training with/ among National Platforms (e.g. African workshop on mainstreaming DRR in April 2008) • Develop guidance documents, tools and contribution to ISDR partner work with NPs/ HFA FPs (incl. CCA/UNDAF guidelines, joint publications, etc.) • Support sharing of NP experiences (« twinning » + good practices, « ISDR-Highlights « and other magazines) • Jointly run awareness raising campaigns • Undertake capacity assessments (with CADRI, UNDP) • Support ministerial meetings in the regions • Facilitate access to expertise • HFA monitor (progress reporting and information sharing)

34. UN/ISDR supported thematic and stakeholder networks • NGO network (ISDR staff FP: Mr. Michele Cocciglia: cocchiglia@un.org) • Climate change adaptation and DRR (Ms. Silvia Llosa, llosa@un.org – Mr. Julio Garcia, juliog@eird.org) • Parliamentarians, High-Level advocacy – (Ms. Feng Min Kan, kanf@un.org) • Media network (Ms. Brigitte Leoni, leonib@un.org) • Gender network (Ms. Ana-Cristina Thorlund, thorlund@un.org • Local Government (Mr. Michele Cocciglia, cocchiglia@un.org) • Academia (Mr. Terry Jeggle, jeggle@un.org) • National Platform/ HFA Focal point networks and list-servs are run by UN/ISDR regional offices

35. Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters Progress – international UN system • UNDP: working closely with ISDR- CADRI, global report, GRIP, national capacity building programmes • UNESCO: education & science • UNICEF: education and emergencies programmes • WMO: disaster prevention and mitigation programme, national surveys • UNEP: environmental group, country cases • WHO: Safe hospitals campaign and health sector • FAO, WFP, UNDP/DDC: drought risk reduction • OCHA: preparedness • Climate Change: UNFCCC and IPCC- adaptation • Indian Ocean Consortium: Tsunami EWS.

38. Marco de Acción de Hyogo 2005-2015: Aumento de la Resiliencia de las Naciones y Comunidades ante los Desastres Progreso – Procesos internacionales • Global Facility for Disaster Reduction del BM y Recovery partnership de la EIRD para el MAH • Tres tracks: Global/Regional (EIRD); Programas por países; facilidades de recuperación • Cambios en las políticas de los donantes - OCDE (TICAD IV…) • Aumento del compromiso de la ONU – reducción del riesgo de desastre y cambio climático considerados como PRIORIDADES • Compromiso del UNDG – Formación UNCT & RC • Evolución de DMTP en CADRI: UNDP-OCHA-ISDR

39. Marco de Acción de Hyogo 2005-2015: Aumento de la Resiliencia de las Naciones y Comunidades ante los Desastres Progreso – Sistema internacional de la ONU • PNUD: trabajar en estrecha colaboración con EIRD-CADRI, informe global, GRIP, programas de creación de capacidad nacional • UNESCO: educación & ciencia • UNICEF: educación y programas de emergencias • OMM: programa de prevención y mitigación de desastres, encuestas nacionales • PNUMA: grupo ambiental, ejemplos de países • OMS: Campaña Hospitales Salvos y sector de la salud protegido • FAO, PMA, PNUD/DDC: reducción del riesgo de sequía • OCHA: preparación • Cambio Climático: Adaptación -UNFCCC y IPCC • Consortium Océano Indico : Tsunami SAT.

40. Marco de Acción de Hyogo 2005-2015: Aumento de la Resiliencia de las Naciones y Comunidades ante los Desastres Progreso – Redes internacionales • Red de ONGs. FICR: preparación de una Alianza para la Comunidad RRD • Red académico (apoyo por parte de CADRI y EIRD/BM) • Red de medios de comunicación • Red de Genero y Desastres • Red emergente: Parlamentarios • Red emergente : Foro urbano de megaciudades

41. ¿Los diálogos nacionales multisectoriales y las Plataformas Nacionales para la RRD pueden ayudar-y ser sostenido? ¿Cómo? ¿Las necesidades de capacidad pueden ir acompañadas de recursos técnicos disponibles y recursos de las agencias gubernamentales? ¿Cuales son los mejores puntos de entrada? Aumentar la comprensión de reducción del riesgo de desastres y del desarrollo - ¿mejores medios?Oportunidades y necesidades de capacidad incorporadas en : Los planes nacionales de desarrollo; Los Marcos para el Desarrollo de las Naciones Unidas; Las estrategias de reducción de la pobreza; Los Planes Nacionales de Acción para la Adaptación; Los planos para el medio ambiente y el desarrollo sostenible Proceso en marcha – integrar la reducción del riesgo de desastre en el desarrollo

42. Muchas gracias United Nations, secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction International Environment House II 7-9 Chemin de Balexert, CH 1219 Chatelaine Geneva 10, SwitzerlandTel: +41 22 917 8908/8907Fax: +41 22 917 8964isdr@un.org www.unisdr.org

43. Marco de Acción de Hyogo 2005-2015: • Aumento de la Resiliencia de las Naciones y Comunidades ante los Desastres • Estrategia Africana para la Reducción del Riesgo de Desastres- aportes y seguimiento importantes por parte de la Unión Africana. Aprobada por la AMCEN y SUMMIT (2005)Ahora es necesario un "Business plan" para la aplicaciónOportunidades y necesidades de capacidad incorporadas en : • Los planes nacionales de desarrollo; • Los Marcos para el Desarrollo de las Naciones Unidas; • Las estrategias de reducción de la pobreza; • Los Planes Nacionales de Acción para la Adaptación; • Los planos para el medio ambiente y el desarrollo sostenible

44. Good practices of National Platforms • Achieving higher political commitment and engagement of politicians for disaster risk reduction (Costa Rica, Gabon, Nigeria...), • IntegratingDRR into national policy and legislationand development plans (China, Colombia, Djibouti, Kenya, Senegal, Uganda…), • Setting up sub-national DRM committees and promoting community participation in DRR through awareness-raising and capacity-building activities (China, France Germany, Japan, Madagascar, Nicaragua, Switzerland…); • Engaging the media, private sector and/or insurance sector for DRR (Germany, Japan, Nigeria, Switzerland…) • Setting standards in natural hazard preparedness (Madagascar)