India to host first Asian Ministerial Conference of post-2015 Framework

This was announced by the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh during the 3rd UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction being held in Sendai from March 14-18, 2015.

He said the Indian government will take lead in hosting the conference in 2016 in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Ministerial Conference is set to endorse a Regional Implementation Plan of the new post-2015 framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR).

This will form a key element of the initial global effort to implement the new framework. Shri Rajnath Singh said the decision demonstrated India’s strong commitment and leadership in the area of Disaster Risk Reduction in the Asia region.

“One of the biggest challenges we are facing is promoting risk-sensitive development and reduction of impacts of disasters to protect the development gains,” said Rajnath Singh.

He requested participating countries to begin dialogue so that the Asian regional implementation plan for the post-2015 DRR framework can be agreed.

In hosting the conference, Rajnath Singh said, India is looking forward to showcasing its measures to mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction in development policies at all levels.

On behalf of the Government of India, he pledged full support to the post-2015 Framework, its goals and priorities.

He said India is committed to work with countries in the region and beyond in building resilient nations and communities, through capacity building and training in association with UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Margareta Wahlström congratulated India’s decision to host the Conference.

She said that with India’s strong support and leadership, the region can take a leap in implementing the post-2015 framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.