The proceedings of the Fourth Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction are now available. The Platform, a biennial forum with the latest goal of improving implementation of disaster risk reduction through better communication and coordination amongst stakeholders, had taken place in Geneva in May 2013. After four days of presentations and discussions, the Fourth Session called for a shared vision and commitment for the next 30 years.
Among its contributions, the Fourth Session has given some critical advice for the preparation of the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction, commonly called "HFA2", compiled in the proceedings. Some of the specific recommendations that were made include to ensure greater recognition and use of science and technology in disaster risk reduction in order to engage with policy-makers; or to promote further early warning with timely, comprehensive and tailored climate information to assist with early action. Furthermore, the platform also recognizes the need to promote further early warning with timely, comprehensive and tailored climate information to assist with early action as well as the importance of strengthening technology cooperation and research in particular applying evidence from the science and technology community to policy making.
The 2013 Global Platform has also welcomed the positive and increasing global commitment to reducing disaster risk. The participation, the number of events prepared, the quality and insight of the discussions was unprecedented as was the development of new partnerships.
