Asian conference on disaster reduction

The ACDR2007 aimed to further review the progress made in Asia in the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) adopted at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction in January 2005, present good practices and achievements, identify the challenges that still exist, and propose the ways forward for accelerating the process. It addressed the relevant topics of governance, education, applying scientific knowledge, public-private partnerships, and community-based disaster risk reduction.

The unstinted support of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Kazakhstan, through the Honorable Minister and Conference Chair, H.E. Mr. Victor Khrapunov, and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), through the Executive Director, Mr. Koji Suzuki, was largely responsible for the success of the ACDR2007. The Honorable Senior Deputy-Minister, H.E. Mr. Katsuei Hirasawa, delivered a congratulatory message at the opening ceremony on behalf of the Government of Japan and as Conference Vice-Chair.

Active discussion took place throughout the technical sessions and produced a Conference Summary which outlines the major concerns and challenges to be addressed. In conclusion, the Conference Chair, H.E. Mr. Khrapunov, stressed the need to accelerate the HFA implementation with a view to achieving sustainable development in the region and closed the ACDR2007.