Post-APMCDRR Review and Reflection Meeting Concluded
On September 30, 2022, DPNet organized a review and reflection meeting in Kathmandu to discuss the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), which was held in Brisbane, Australia from September 19-22, 2022. The meeting was attended by 46 participants who shared their experiences and thoughts on the conference, with a focus on Nepal's participation. The Nepali delegate delivered an official statement at the conference, which included lessons learned from the 2015 Gorkha earthquake, legal frameworks for disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM), and Nepal's capacity for DRRM.
Nepal also prepared a position paper for the APMCDRR 2022 in consultation with nine thematic groups of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR). The paper provided an overview of the impacts of disasters on Nepal's lives, natural resources, infrastructure, and economy, as well as an update on DRRM efforts. The paper was made accessible to visually impaired people by publishing a braille version and was covered by prevention web. Nepal also prepared information, education, and communication (IEC) and visibility materials for the Market Place, which focused on various aspects of DRRM.
During the reflection meeting, participants shared their learning from the conference. Some key takeaways included the importance of promoting and practicing indigenous knowledge in DRR, engaging communities in all aspects of DRR, using cost-effective and low-cost DRR technology, and focusing on inclusive DRR that considers the needs of lactating mothers, pregnant women, youth, children, senior citizens, marginalized groups and communities, people with disabilities, and others.
Participants also shared other important learning on the need for a culture of resilience, exploring the possibility of anticipatory action, adopting a whole-of-society approach, and supporting resilient agricultural practices and durable food supply chains. They also shared their learning on the importance of promoting a "Do no harm" culture in humanitarian assistance, minimizing and addressing disaster displacement, supporting resilient infrastructure, and ensuring that DRR investments are community-driven and fit-for-purpose. Finally, the Chairperson of DPNet thanked all the participants specially AINTGDM, DCA, Habitat for Humanity, Oxfam, Save the Children, SDF and Tearfund who supported Nepal's participation in the APMCDRR event.
