On First Anniversary of Sendai Framework Adoption, Deputy Secretary-General Says Disaster Risk Reduction Plays Key Role in Saving Lives, Leaving No One Behind

Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at an event marking the first anniversary of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and World Tsunami Awareness Day, in New York today:

Today, we mark a year since the world adopted the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.  Today, we also raise awareness of our first commemoration of World Tsunami Awareness Day. 

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction of last year reaffirms the importance of disaster risk reduction.  The aim is to respond effectively when disasters strike and build back better in the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction phases.  There is no starker, more poignant illustration of the importance of disaster risk reduction than tsunamis.  We saw them in southern Asia in 2004 and in Japan five years ago.

Looking back at these disasters, it is evident that we can significantly reduce the risk that they pose.  With investments in early warning systems, shelters, urban planning, building codes and a well-informed population, we can save many thousands of lives and much-needed resources.

An innovative cyclone shelter programme and the creation of a community-based early warning programme have helped Bangladesh dramatically reduce cyclone mortality since the 1970s.  In the past four decades, the country has been struck by three severe cyclones:  Bhola, Gorky and Sidr.  Bhola caused an estimated 300,000 deaths and Gorky was responsible for more than 138,000, while the death toll of Sidr was “only” around 4,000.

I thank the Government of Japan [for] showing such valuable global leadership on this important issue and for supporting World Tsunami Day.

We must now continue the work that started in Sendai.  Preparations are now under way for the World Humanitarian Summit in May.  This is a critically important opportunity for world leaders to come together and address humanitarian assistance — both for man-made and natural disasters.  

As we carry this work forward, we are building on the solid foundation of the Sendai Framework and all the important agreements reached last year.  Above all, we are carrying out these plans to see real results so that the world can live up to our promise to leave no one behind.

In closing, I wish to reiterate the Secretary-General’s words:  “Sustainability starts in Sendai.”  Let us always remember this prime point as we advance towards a more sustainable future where all people can live in dignity, safety and peace.  Thank you.