The Third Session of the Global Platform in 2011 motivated participants to coalesce intoone voice for strong community involvement and engagement in disaster risk reduction andclimate change adaptation. Participants emphasized that not only local communities andgovernments, but civil society, children and young people, academia and the private sectormust be involved in the implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). TheGlobal Platform in 2011 essentially resolved to find political and economic solutions toreduce the risks of disasters.
The aim of the Fourth Session will be to continue the momentum into a durable andsustained effort from all actors (governments, NGOs and civil society, internationalagencies and organizations, academic and technical institutions, and the private sector) totake shared responsibility in reducing risks and reinforcing resilience in our communities.
The Fourth Session will also be an opportunity to progress and consult on the HyogoFramework for Action.
The Fourth Session of the Global Platform will be held in Geneva at the InternationalConference Centre from Sunday 19 May to Thursday 23 May 2013. Sunday 19 May willbe reserved for a preparation day. Monday 20 May will be a day for innovative dialogue. The official agenda will be from Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 May.
The Fourth Session will include a longer preparation and consultation period of over 12 months. Encouragement will be given to a more focused and less crowded agenda and to the provision of 'trend-setting` modalities for participation and communication in disasterrisk reduction. Taking into account the importance of a gender-balanced approach to the analysis andimplementation of disaster risk reduction priorities, we will strive for practical and actionorientedideas and discussions with a panel participation of at least 50% women.