Disaster risk reduction contributes to security and stability at all levels, says OSCE Secretary General Zannier

VIENNA, 13 October 2016 – The OSCE recognizes the important role of disaster risk reduction in promoting security and stability in the OSCE region the OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said today on the occasion of this year’s International Day for Disaster Reduction focusing on the theme- Live to Tell: Reducing Global Disaster Mortality.

“Disasters are rarely confined to national borders, often have trans-boundary consequences and require joint responses,” said Zannier. “Promoting good governance and transparency in the field of disaster risk reduction is therefore important for the OSCE in its efforts to preserve stability and security among its participating States.”

Yurdakul Yigitguden, Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities highlighted that early warning is key in reducing disaster risks and enhancing preparedness, thereby improving security. “The OSCE has been supporting its participating States in strengthening their disaster risk reduction capacities at many levels through targeted training courses, exchange of best practices, and cross-border learning and co-operation. Wildfire management and flood risk reduction have been at the heart of the OSCE efforts over the last decade and that is the path we want to continue.”

Underlining the importance of community engagement in disaster risk reduction, Yigitguden said that the OSCE’s work with local communities, through the network of Aarhus Centres, ensures that local knowledge is taken into account and communities are actively involved in translating into practice the priorities of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. 

In 2014 the Basel OSCE Ministerial Council adopted a decision on disaster risk reduction, calling on all participating States “to adopt an integrated approach to disaster risk management, including measures for prediction, prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery at all levels”.  

In 2016, the OSCE has implemented several activities in South Eastern Europe, Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia aimed at strengthening national and local capacities on disaster risk reduction while promoting participatory planning and preparedness within and across borders.

More information is available here.