Geneva, 25 October 2006

Towards a «Global Network of NGOs for

Community Resilience to Disasters»

Michele Cocchiglia, ISDR secretariat

Current context The number of disasters is on the rise, as a result of

increased vulnerability and number of natural hazards HFA highlights the importance of involving NGOs in DRR

processes and provides the Framework to address DRR issues at the community level

Building a “Disaster Risk Reduction Movement” cannot be done without the active participation of NGOs

Under its growing outreach capacity, ISDR is determined to strengthen its links with non-governmental and civil society organisations

NGOs and Disaster Risk Reduction Increased awareness of potential and current role of

NGOs in building the resilience of local communities to disasters

Importance of linking changes at community level with changes at the national and international levels in order to achieve effective DRR for sustainable development

NGOs involvement in DRR activities has proved beneficial for several reasons, including the following:

NGOs can operate at grassroots level NGOs enjoy higher operational flexibility NGOs often work with and on behalf of most needy groups

Progress made by NGOs Increased recognition of NGOs contribution to DRR

and the role they play in building the resilience of communities to disasters

Following broad areas of intervention identified as the ones in which NGOs appear to be more actively involved (ref. background paper):

Policy and advocacy Knowledge and education Community-based risk and vulnerability assessment Community-based mitigation and preparedness

And existing gaps.. Community-based DRR processes and actions still mostly

focused on concepts, awareness and educational activities, less on mainstreaming DRR into development activities

NGOs sometimes working in isolation and “competing” with each other for resources

Need to “scale up” successful initiatives, and understand what approaches work most effectively and under what conditions

Better networking needed to improve access to and exchange of information and knowledge, and support partnerships development

Proposed Goal and Objectives for the Global Network

Goal Contribute to the growing global effort to reduce the impact of disasters, and

build disaster resilient communities.

Objectives To provide a platform for NGOs to exchange and share information To enhance knowledge transfer from local to global levels, and vice versa To encourage an active role by NGOs in mainstreaming disaster risk reduction To promote South-South and South-North cooperation among NGOs To increase the voice and visibility of NGOs working on DRR issues To facilitate NGOs’ access to global resources (i.e., knowledge, skills, networks,

funding, etc.) for DRR and related activities

Proposed Structure (I), Mechanisms (II), and Membership Criteria (III)

(I) A Global Advisory/Steering Committee Regional Advisory/Steering Committees; and National NGO Coalitions or Associations(II) GASC to provide leadership in guiding the development of the

Global Network Global Network may meet in Geneva - back-to-back meeting with

the ISDR GP/DRR(III) General understanding of the DRR concept, ISDR and the HFA Demonstrated commitment to implementation of HFA Demonstrated commitment to developing the “Global Network of

NGOs”

Proposed Strategy for Developing the Global Network

I. Taking stock of existing dynamics and NGOs activities in DRR

II. Building ownership and leadership by a small group of NGOs and holding initial discussions on the Global Network

III. Gaining greater support from NGOs and building wider ownership

IV.Establishing an “Advisory Group” as an initial “driving force”

V. Holding a broader meeting to discuss the proposed structures and mechanisms and decide on the way forward

Let’s move forward together !