2015 at a glance: A year of milestones
2015 marked the beginning of a new era in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. ADPC embraced the new Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction while continuing to build resilience side by side with the Asia-Pacific countries.
Each year, disasters affect more than 163 million people in the Asia-Pacific region causing economic losses worth over USD 23 billion. The earthquake in Nepal, Cyclone Pam in the Pacific, and the El Niño-triggered extreme flooding and drought have been stark reminders of the region’s continued vulnerability to natural disasters and climate change. 2015 was truly a year of milestones in the fora for global action against disaster risk. ADPC contributed to the preparation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction that was adopted at the 3rd UN World Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction in Japan. Nations around world endorsed the new Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement on tackling climate change – accords that resulted in a global commitment to work towards a low-carbon, resilient and sustainable future.
In June, the 12th meeting of the Regional Consultative Committee on Disaster Management (RCC), hosted by ADPC together with the Government of Bhutan, provided a timely opportunity for Asian countries to agree on regional action plans for implementing the new global framework for disaster risk reduction.
Against the background of climate-induced hazards of increasing intensity and frequency, delegates from across the region committed to concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of disasters that affect a growing number of people across country borders.