Resolution


2nd Global Summit of Research Institutes for Disaster Risk Reduction:
Development of a Research Road Map for the Next Decade
Kyoto, Japan, March 19‐20,2015


Following the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), advances have been made in the application of damage reduction principles, but many challenges remain as seen by the continued increase in disaster losses. Also, the new Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 with support from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), has pointed out the need to better link objectives with sustainable development and climate change efforts towards a common goal of harmonious living with nature and our planet. The Framework explicitly calls for coordinated efforts by the scientific community to deepen the understanding of disaster risks, promote evidenced-based implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies, and transfer and disseminate scientific knowledge and technologies in support of decision making processes.

Building on the recent momentum of these efforts, participants of the “2nd Global Summit of Research Institutes for Disaster Risk Reduction: Development of a Research Road Map for the Next Decade,” met to discuss how the disaster research institutes can contribute to disaster risk reduction in the next 15 years, in accordance with the goals of the Sendai Framework.

One outcome is the establishment of a new organization of institutes involved in disaster risk research, the “Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI).” GADRI will be a forum for sharing knowledge and promoting collaboration on topics related to disaster risk reduction and resilience to disasters. GADRI will facilitate discussions on:

  • Planning and organization of disaster risk research
  • Promotion of trans‐disciplinary research efforts to deepen our
  • understanding of increasingly complex disaster risks and find feasible solutions to reduce disaster risks.
  • Establishment of an international network for timely communication related to disaster risk research

Furthermore, to ensure future collaborations and help in planning of a 15‐year road map, heated discussions took place in four groups: Integrated Disaster Risk Management, Atmospheric and Water Related Disasters, Earthquake and Volcanic Disasters, and Geo‐Hazards. Significant issues that were common to several groups include:

1. Use of big datasets with open and transparent access through databases should be improved. This includes archiving current data and collecting needed new information (e.g. instrumental monitoring, societal data). Realtime applications for early warning and fast response to disasters will become important.

2. Better trans‐disciplinary efforts are needed to improve the understanding of disaster events and develop appropriate mitigation efforts. Complex issues related to science, engineering, technological, environmental, health, social and economic, which act as both triggers and effects can arise in the same event, which require evaluations by experts in a wide range of fields. Far reaching ripple effects have also been identified and need to be studied.

3. Improved communication and clarification of important terms are needed for more effective trans‐disciplinary research. Presenting the potential effects and severe consequences of disasters in terms of the societal risk and sustainability may communicate the issues more clearly.

4. We should promote and facilitate access to data for scientific research in all countries. This includes capacity building initiatives that can help developing countries produce, have access to and use scientific information.

5. Regular meetings for exchange of information and discussion of timely issues among the international participants are important for the advance of research and appropriate disaster reduction efforts.

Finally, the participants agreed that GADRI should support the goals of the Sendai Framework and the commitments proposed on behalf of the science and technology communities by the UNISDR Science and Technical Advisory Group. It was agreed that the goals of GADRI be posted on the UNISDR Voluntary
Commitments website (http://www.wcdrr.org/preparatory/commitments).
For more information visit the 2nd Summit website at:
http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/gndw/