National DRR Forum celebrated International Day for Disaster Reduction on 13th Oct, 2015
National DRR Forumobserved International Day for Disaster Reduction by organizing awareness events in Islamabad at Margalla Hotel on 13th Oct, 2015. The day was observed to remember the global commitment according toSendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015- 2030) aiming to reduce global disaster mortality, number of affected people, direct disaster economic loss, disaster damage to critical infrastructure, especially disruption of basic services, and synergize resilience by 2030.
The theme for 2015 will focus on use of traditional, indigenous and local knowledge. The International Day for Disaster Reduction started in 1989 with the approval by the United Nations General Assembly. The UNGA sees International Day as a way to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness. Originally celebrated on the second Wednesday of October, the UNGA decided in 2009 to designate October 13th as the date to celebrate IDDR
Purpose of the event was to celebrate communities’ efforts in reducing their risk to disasters and raising awareness about the importance of DRR and to encourage every citizen and government to take part in building more disaster resilient communities. Members of civil society, NGOs, INGOs, donor agencies, Academia, government officials, academia and media attended the event.
Syed Shahid Kazmi Chair National DRR Forum and Manager Humanitarian Programmes Islamic Relief Pakistan gave a welcome note.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Shahid Kazmi Chair National DRR Forum and Manager Humanitarian Programmes Islamic Relief Pakistan said that the DRR Forum is an informal group of civil society organizations voluntarily coming together on issues of common interest in the field of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRR/M) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), at the national level in Pakistan. The purpose of the DRR Forum is to enhance communication, coordination and information sharing on DRR/M and CCA between all relevant stakeholders in order to promote, improve and integrate DRR and CCA in humanitarian and development programs in Pakistan. In all our interventions, we have ensured integration of DRR so risks of disasters could be reduced, he said.
Role of Civil Society, traditional, indigenous and local knowledge was the theme on which experts expressed their point of view and shared their experiences. Amongst the panelists Heather Macey, Country Coordinator Pakistan Humanitarian Forum (PHF), Adnan Cheema, Country Director Islamic Relief Pakistan, Sameer Luqman, Programme Officer UNESCO, NusratNasab, Focus Humanitarian Assistance, Muhammad Asar ul Haq, Manger DRR Mercy Corps, Naunehal Shah, DRR forum (observer), Dr. Rashid Bajwa, National Rural Support Program (NRSP) and Shahida Arif Head of DRR and Humanitarian Programmes Save the Children talked about the challenges and mitigation measures.
Country Director Islamic Relief Pakistan Adnan Cheema responds to the questions from the audiences on the Role of Civil Society and DRR.
Chief Guest of the event Secretary General Pakistan Red Crescent, Dr.RizwanNaseer said, “We need to commit on International Disaster Risk Reduction Day that we would provide timely and effective care to citizens of all provinces and commit to ensure effective steps for Disaster Risk Reduction so that we can establish a safer Pakistan.”
Secretary General Pakistan Red Crescent Dr. RizwanNaseer stressed the need to synergize resilience.
Member National Assembly Maiza Hameed said that Government of Pakistan appreciates the role of civil society and NGOs in building the resilient communities but we need to work closely in achieving greater impacts. We being community actors in different roles should align our practices with international set targets for disaster risk reduction, she urged. Other speakers stressed the need ofcoordinated efforts to have better preparedness so we can reduce the risk and effects of disasters.
Member National Assembly Maiza Hameed said that Government of Pakistan appreciates the role of civil society and INGOs in building the resilient communities.