International Day for Disaster Reduction

 

On October 14, 2009, the International Day for Disaster Reduction was used to illustrate the role of UN-SPIDER in a concrete case, namely the recent Tropical Cyclone on the Philippines. At the VIC Rotunda in Vienna, a presentation was given on the particular example. After a welcome address by Niklas Hedman (Chief Committee Services and Research Section, Office for Outer Space Affairs) and introductory remarks on space and disaster management by Juan Carlos Villagran (UN-SPIDER), Mr. Manangan, Minister at the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, presented his observations on the recent disaster and its management. Ms. Gerardo, Chair of the VIC Club Filipino, expressed her thanks for the contributions made for the people in the Philippines. Michael Leitgab (UN-SPIDER) then explained the role of UN-SPIDER in the case of the recent Tropical Cyclone, and Niklas Hedman gave the concluding remarks to close the event. In Bonn, the UN-SPIDER team set up an information stand in the lobby informing on its work. The setup included two posters of the first page of the ISDR International Day for DR leaflet, UN-SPIDER promotional materials, copies of the ISDR special leaflet, all in the most central and visible place of the lobby of the UN building in Bonn.