+ 20.05.2009 + The Report is the first biennial global assessment of disaster risk reduction prepared in the context of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (ISDR).

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will unveil the first Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction at a launch ceremony in Bahrain on Sunday 17 May, hosted by the Kingdom's Prime Minister, Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa and attended by range of regional and international dignatories, including Her Royal Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein. It is the first time that a major UN publication is launched in the Middle East and North Africa region.

The 200-page Report is a collective effort of the ISDR partnership, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the ProVention Consortium, regional inter-governmental and technical institutions, national governments, civil society networks, academic/scientific institutions and many other specific contributors.

"Although this comprehensive report primarily targets Government leaders and their policy advisors, there is also a clear message that disaster risk reduction is everybody's responsibility," sums up Margareta Wahlstrom, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction. "It is not only disaster reduction specialists - and governments - who should prioritize consistent and effective prevention and mitigation measures, this imperative is relevant to all of us, including our families and friends and the communities in which we live." more

ISDR - International Strategy for Disaster Reduction 2009