OSCE meeting in Montreux explores good practices in managing disaster risks at local, regional and international levels

MONTREUX, Switzerland, 20 May 2014 – Countries worldwide and in the OSCE region are frequently affected by floods, storms, earthquakes, droughts and other natural hazards. The OSCE opened a two-day event today in Montreux exploring how OSCE participating States can work together to reduce the risks posed by such disasters. Pursuing a comprehensive risk management approach that includes risks of disaster is important for the security of countries and the safety of communities. The most recent devastating floods in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia underline the relevance of this topic.

Under the Swiss Chairmanship, the 22nd OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum 2nd Preparatory Meeting brings together representatives of governments, national and international institutions, civil society, think tanks, academia and the private sector, to address prevention and preparedness, emergency response and recovery measures related to natural and environmental challenges. The event is designed to support the exchange of good practices and promote partnerships on the local, regional, cross-border and international levels.

Participants will also take part in two field visits to examine comprehensive disaster risk management practices. They will analyze cross-border co-operation between Italy and Switzerland in managing disaster risks along the Great St. Bernard route, while the second visit will focus on managing natural and technical risks in the plain of river Rhone in the region of Monthey.

“Disasters, like other cross-cutting global risks, often transcend national boundaries. No state can deal with such risks in isolation,” said Yves Rossier, State Secretary and Head of the Directorate of Political Affairs of Switzerland. Working together, he said, “is a win-win situation for all parties involved and can be a powerful apolitical way to bolster trust and confidence among stakeholders.”

Ambassador Manuel Bessler, Delegate for Humanitarian Aid and Head of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA), said: “To adapt to a world of emerging challenges the OSCE should shift from a responsive approach to comprehensive disaster risk management. This means developing a shared, broad understanding of the risks that lead to stress and shock, tensions and crises.”

Halil Yurdakul Yigitgüden, the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, said: “Disaster-related challenges faced by urban and rural settlements highlight the importance of adapting to climate change and disaster risk reduction at a local level. No single group or organization can address every aspect of dealing with disasters.”

The findings from the meeting will complement conclusions from January’s 1st Preparatory Meeting, and pave the way to the Forum’s Concluding Meeting in Prague on 10-12 September 2014.