United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR)

1. Preparations for the Third Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction2-4 December 2008, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) www.unisdr.org, www.unisdr.org/asiapacific

2. Introduction Offer made by Malaysia to host the 3rd Asian Ministerial Conference (AMC3) at 2nd Asian Ministerial Conference on DRR (Delhi, November 2007) Dates confirmed for 2-4 December 2008, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Confirmed theme: Multi-stakeholder Partnerships for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Asia Pacific Region – Two special areas of focus: - local community action for DRR / CBDRM - Public Private Partnerships for DRR First stakeholder discussions on AMC3 at ISADR Asia Partnership meeting (February 2008, Bangkok) – Report of discussions available and circulated Initial idea of a Working Group on the Ministerial Preparations composed of UNESCO, UNOCHA, UNESCAP, SOPAC, IFRC, ADRC, ADB, EC, USAID, AUSAID, ADPC, ASEAN Secretariat, ILO

3. To review the action taken by the national governments and other stakeholders for the implementation of the Hyogo Framework of Action as a follow up to the Beijing Action for Disaster Risk Reduction in Asia and Delhi declaration; To ensure an effective follow-up to the decisions taken by the ISDR Asia Partnership, as the operative arms of the Ministerial Conferences, in particular in mapping out and reporting on the implementation of DRR in Asia and the Pacific To take stock of initiatives taken in various sub-regions of Asia for promoting cooperation and building partnerships for disaster risk reduction among nations, both within and outside the governments, including private and public partnership; To share and exchange good practices and lessons learned on disaster risk reduction in various fields including application of science and technology, community based disaster preparedness, public-private partnership and enhance their replication within the region; Objectives of the 3rd Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction

4. To discuss the preparations towards key global processes for Disaster Risk Reduction such as the Global Platform and Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction as well as contribution to regional foras on disaster risk reduction; To develop a vision and roadmap to strengthen existing partnerships and forge new ones, and engage new stakeholders’ investment in disaster risk reduction in Asia, such as the private sector, re-insurance companies etc. To facilitate a better recognition of community-based activities and local actions on disaster risk reduction by Governments and promote the mobilization of adequate policy and financial support at the national level to facilitate the effective implementation and replication within vulnerable communities AMC3 Objectives (Cont’d)

5. Expected Outcome Conference declaration with renewed Governments commitments for an effective DRR and HFA implementation in the Asia Pacific region Concrete recommendations how to bring DRR to the local communities and vulnerable groups Recommendation towards national/regional practical action plans for forward-looking actions. Enhanced regional partnerships and involvement of the private sector in DRR, among other key stakeholders Expected participation Ministers and other high-level Government representatives from Asia and the Pacific Island Countries – In particular for opening, closing and HLRTs Senior Government representatives engaged in disaster risk reduction in their respective country as well as disaster risk reduction / management experts and practitioners, scientists, UN Agencies, Regional Organizations, sub-regional partners Representatives from local authorities, civil society, NGOs, Academic institutions, media Private sector Donor community and Development banks

6. 3-day event comprising of 1. Open Public Forum over the 3 days – Includes: - exhibition booths from Government, UN, private sector, technical experts - Media training on DRR and press-related events 2. Plenary Sessions including: 6 Technical Sessions (TS): will focus on technical aspects and come up with concrete recommendations for Ministers’ consideration at HLRTs 6 High-Level Round Tables (HLRTs): expected to address the recommendations, concerns and challenges raised by TS from and come up with policy recommendations for implementation Concept Notes to be developed by 21 July – Guildelines circulated to TS and HLRTs leaders 3. Side Events during lunchtime: 2 per day – possibility to increase to 4 if requests placed for specific themes – Any proposal welcome by 25th July 2008 – GOM for arrangements TENTATIVE PROGRAMME & STRUCTURE

7. Technical Sessions - Themes agreed upon with IAP members (Feb 08) TS 1 - Public Private Partnership for DRR TS 2 - Community based DRR, involvement and empowerment of local governments and NGOs in DRR TS 3 - Media involvement in DRR TS 4 - High technology and scientific applications to DRR, including Climate Change Adaptation TS 5 - Mobilizing resources for DRR TS 6 - Public Awareness and Education for DRR 2 Special Sessions to assess the progress and challenges in HFA implementation in Asia Pacific SS1: Monitoring Progress for HFA Implementation SS2: Regional Strategy for National Platforms on Disaster Risk Reduction Pre-Conference events on the day preceding the Official AMC3 opening -> Sub-regional or thematic natureto forge specific recommendations that will inform the Ministerial declaration - Available upon request

8. PROGRESS ON SUBSTANTIVE ASPECTS • Overall theme of the Conference confirmed - "Multi-stakeholder Partnerships for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Asia and Pacific region" - Continued focus on: a) Local and Community-Based Disaster Risk Reduction and b) Public Private Partnership for Disaster Risk Reduction • Draft structure and tentative list of themes for the Technical Session (TS) and High-Level Round Tables (HLRT) finalized with IAP members’ comments • Call for Commitments and Substantive Leadership circulated to IAP Members -> Invited IAP members to confirm interest in becoming Conference Partners and lead substantive sessions by 31st May -> Leadership Responsibilities and Conference Partners Registration Form available .

9. High-Level Round Tables • Importance to ensure strategic discussions and come up with concrete policy recommendations out of HLRTs – To that end: • High Level Round Tables (HLRTs) composed of 5/6 Ministers + Chair of related TS • Chairs of TS will facilitate related HLRTs so as to convey to HLRTs the recommendations made during the related Technical Sessions and ensure meaningful dialogue addressing concerns raised. • Ministers will be invited to chose their theme of preference and to prepare a strategic statement, based on specific guidelines (to be developed) • Close coordination and liaison to be ensured between rapporteurs, Chairs of TS and Chairs of HLRTs through daily morning and / or evening meetings • Malaysia offered to provide a Rapporteur for each technical session at the Ministerial, to be supported by ISDR and/or other Conference partners.

10. Tentative Timeline – Cont’d 15- August – 30 September Finalize event structure Finalize AMC3 agenda Issue 2nd Announcement with detailed programme and contact details Pursue TS, HLRTs, Side events and pre-conference events description notes Set up Drafting Committee and develop First Draft Declaration Request for financial support from developing countries should be covered – If financial gap, approach Donors accordingly

11. Tentative Timeline – Cont’d October –November – Final Draft of Participants List Finalization of agenda and other working documents Final draft Declaration Registration process finalized – Badges, conference bags ready Travel and visa modalities finalized Transfer of funds and related MOUs (if any) finalized and signed December 1st Pre-Conference Events 2-4 Third Asian Ministerial Conference on DRR

12. Looking forward to working closely with the Government of Malaysia Team in making the Third Asian Ministerial Conference a success Thank you for your cooperation ! For more information: rosec@un.org Tel: +66 2 288 2766 Mobile: +66 89 204 2745

15. Assist with the development of substantive documents AMC3 Agenda - Background note - Conference Announcements - Description Notes of TS, HLRTs, side events and pre-conference events - Guidelines for TS, HLRTs, side events and Working Group discussions - Structure of Open Public Forum - AMC3 Draft Ministerial Declaration 3. Substantive Leaders invited to develop the structure of their TS, HLRT or side events in coordination with GOM and ISDR identify and invite speakers, coordinate statements etc allocate a budget for their respective event Encourage Donors to get involved and take leadership of TS5 on “Mobilizing Resources for DRR” – ESCAP confirmed leadership 4. Financial High expectations on Conference Partners to support the travel of participants from developing countries Clearly indicate the selection of countries Conference Partners will be interested to support (Ref. List of Countries in Need for Financial Support) Expectations from Conference Partners

16. Recommendations 1. Invite for any final expression of interest from Conference members: To participate in AMC3 To lead a TS, HLRTs, side event or pre-Conference event To become a Conference Partner 2. Seek any clarification, comment or recommendation on structure, themes or timeline welcome 3. Importance of Conference Partners’ assistance in Engaging fully Ministers in HLRTs Ensuring maximum financial support for developing countries’ participation Engaging local authorities, NGOs and local communities Ensuring the private sector is fully on board