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Highlights for Wednesday, 15 May 2019 At the opening ceremony, actors from the Theatre Breaking Through Barriers troupe present a dramatization of the Sendai Framework targets, highlighting the importance of Target E on developing national and local strategies for disaster risk reduction (DRR). After two days of preparatory events, the 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) opened on Wednesday on the theme, “Resilience Dividend: Towards Sustainable and Inclusive Societies.”At the welcome plenary in the morning and the opening ceremony at mid-day, speakers from the UN, the World Bank, the host country, and civil society urged attendants to match the stakes of the conference with adequate levels of ambition, which, they noted, takes place at a pivotal historic moment in the fight against climate change.The UN Office for DRR (UNDRR) launched the 2019 Global Assessment Report (GAR). Speakers warned that the increasing intensity of extreme weather events is causing displacement, migration, and conflict. They called for joint action and a focus on the most vulnerable, so as to gain a sustainable “resilience dividend.”Two high-level dialogues, a ministerial roundtable, and various working sessions took place during the day. At the High-Level Dialogue on progress on implementing the Sendai Framework, speakers referred to outcomes from the five regional platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) that took place in 2018. They highlighted statistics on the scope of global risk, with some 265 million individuals having been displaced by disasters since 2008, more than three times as many as displacements caused by conflict. Others discussed the need to further engage with the risks presented by new technologies, and drew attention to the systemic and cascading impacts of risk.In the afternoon, many sessions were packed to capacity. At a Special Session on Women’s Leadership in DRR, panelists discussed the disproportionate impact of disasters on women. At a working session on progress towards the Sendai Framework Implementation, panelists and the audience engaged in a lively discussion on various reporting tools available to track progress on DRR, and on what makes for valid and inclusive data. Other sessions showcased the findings of the GAR 2019, and the actions taken by national and local authorities to promote adoption of DRR strategies that are tailored to realities on the ground. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from GP2019, which is available in HTML and PDF. For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Welcome session (L-R): Shaila Shahid, UNDRR Stakeholder Engagement Mechanism; Laura Tuck, Vice-President for Sustainable Development, World Bank Group (WBG); Manuel Bessler, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation; Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for DRR; Petteri Taalas, SG, World Meteorological Organization (WMO); Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (UN-OHRLLS) Participants respond to speakers’ remarks at the Welcome Session. (L-R): Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; Petteri Taalas, SG, WMO; and Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, UN-OHRLLS High-Level Dialogues View of the room during the High-Level Dialogue on progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework Malini Mehra, GLOBE International Eduardo José González Angulo, National Disaster Recovery Unit, Colombia Ulziisaikhan Enkhtuvshin, Deputy Prime Minister, Mongolia Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on progress made in implementing the Sendai Framework Beatrice Marshall, Kenya, and Walid Doudech, Permanent Representative of Tunisia in Geneva Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on advances in national and local DRR strategies (L-R): Chandran Nair, moderator; Asako Okai, Assistant Secretary General, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP); Anna Giacometti, Mayor of Bregaglia, Switzerland; Akihiro Nakamura, Vice Minister for Disaster Management, Japan; Ronald Jackson, Executive Director of Caribbean Disaster and Emergency, Management Agency Barbados; and Fatimetou Abdel Malick, President of the Regional Council of Nouakchott, Mauritania Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Indonesia Chandran Nair, moderator Opening Ceremony and Report Launch (L-R): Kirsi Madi, Director, UNDRR; Michael Møller, Director, UN Office at Geneva; Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; Manuel Sage, Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation; Jayathma Wickramanayake, UNSG Special Envoy on Youth; and Manuel Bessler, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR Manuel Sage, Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation Michael Møller, Director, UN Office at Geneva Jayathma Wickramanayake, UNSG Special Envoy on Youth Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji; Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; and Aromar Revi, Director, Indian Institute for Human Settlements Special Session: Women Leadership in DRR (L-R): Saber Hossain, Member of Parliament, Bangladesh; Laura Tuck, Vice President for Sustainable Development, World Bank; Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland; Mami Mizutori, SRSG for DRR; Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs, African Union; and Dolores Devesi, OXFAM, Solomon Islands Participants in the Special Session consider ways to promote women’s leadership in DRR. Working Sessions Panelists at the Working Session on the Global Assessment Report 2019 (L-R): Juan Pablo Sarmiento, Florida International University; Mandisa Kalako-Williams, former SG, South African Red Cross; Kamal Kishore, National Disaster Management Agency, India; Roger Pulwarty, Director of the National Integrated Drought Information System, United States; and Jacqueline McGlade, University College London and Maasai Mara University, Kenya Panelists at the Working Session on Sendai Framework implementation (L-R): Maria Veronica Bastias, Global Network of Civil Society Organisations for Disaster Reduction; Marcie Roth, Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies; Kamal Kishore, NDMA, India; Martha Herrera Gonzalez, Global Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, CEMEX; and Mohamed Hassaan Felfel Abdelsameaa, Information and Decision Support Center, Egypt Ministerial Roundtable Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland (center) Ministerial Roundtable participants discuss DRR, climate change, and the SDGs

Highlights for Thursday, 16 May 2019 Sasakawa Award winners pose for a “family photo” with the organizing team. Discussions on disaster risk reduction (DRR) and resilience continued at the 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) in Geneva, Switzerland, in two high-level dialogues, a ministerial roundtable, and many working sessions. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced its new Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management framework in the afternoon, and the Sasakawa Award ceremony took place in the evening. Sessions on risk-informed investments suggested that DRR measures such as promoting energy efficiency, building resilient infrastructure, and addressing conflict and security threats make good business sense. In a two-hour roundtable session that ran over time, ministers shared examples of national actions, such as collaborating with the private sector on hazard mapping in Malaysia, establishing a post-disaster recovery and reconstruction office to assess losses related to two recent cyclones in Mozambique, and launching a multistakeholder resilience project following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake in New Zealand. Working sessions on health and disaster-induced displacement focused attention on the human cost of disasters. In a session on health in disaster risk management (DRM), discussions among WHO, public health and humanitarian aid agencies highlighted the challenges of strengthening health systems in conflict-affected and fragile contexts, and the potential for DRR approaches to contribute to protection of health workers as well as providing support for the role of governments. Panelists in a session on disaster displacement showcased examples of good practice, such as initiatives to enable researchers from neighboring countries to collaborate on data collection, and the engagement of displaced people themselves in policy planning in host regions. The session featured two young women, from the Philippines and Indonesia, respectively, who drew from their own experiences to make recommendations for accommodating displaced persons with special needs, and for respecting local customs in shelters. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from GP2019, which is available in HTML and PDF. For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page High-Level Dialogues Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on risk-informed public and private investments (L-R): Davis Eades, Allday Media; Sylvia Chalikosa, Minister in the Office of the Vice-President, Zambia; Isidoro Santana, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Dominican Republic; Sandra Wu, UN Global Compact; Hans Sy, Chairman, SM Prime Holdings Inc; and Hiroshi Yamakawa, President, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Davis Eades, Director, Allday Media, moderated the High-Level Dialogue on risk-informed public and private investments. Hans Sy, Chairman, SM Prime Holdings Inc (L-R): Isidoro Santana, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Dominican Republic; and Sandra Wu, UN Global Compact Participants capture views of the room during the High-Level Dialogue on risk-informed public and private investments. Participants greet Isidoro Santana, Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Dominican Republic, at the close of a session. Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on “Leaving no one behind: Investing in local action and empowering those most at risk". An interpreter (left) provides simultaneous sign language interpretation as journalist Veronica Pedrosa addresses participants at the High-Level Dialogue on “Leaving no one behind.” Nella Canales, Stockholm Environment Institute; and Mohamed Béavogui, Director, African Risk Capacity Working Sessions (L-R): Alex Mung, World Economic Forum; Kate Levick, CEO, Third Generation Environmentalism; and Shaun Tarbuck, CEO, International Cooperative and Mutual Insurance Federation (ICMIF) Panelists at the working session on unlocking the resilience dividend Raed Arafat, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Romania (center) Ciro Ugarte, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) (left) Panelists at the working session on disaster displacement and DRR Ministerial Roundtables Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Deputy Prime Minister, Malaysia (center) Ministerial Roundtable participants discuss risk-informed investments and other issues related to the economics of DRR. Kwame Letsa Achibald, Volta Regional Minister, Ghana (center) Kris Faafoi, Minister of Civil Defence, Commerce and Consumer Affairs, New Zealand Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Jamaica (left) Laouan Magagi, Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Niger Award Ceremony Sasakawa Award winner, Pramod Kumar Mishra, India Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for DRR; and Sasakawa Award winner, Pramod Kumar Mishra, India Around the Venue The Dominican Republic delegation poses for a photograph in between sessions. The Theatre Breaking Through Barriers group performed for delegates throughout the day on themes such as gender and disability.

Highlights for Friday, 17 May 2019 Officials celebrate the successful conclusion of the Sixth Global Platform (L-R:) Marwa El-Menshawy, UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Stakeholder Mechanism; Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for DRR; Co-Chair Manuel Sager, State Secretary and Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, Switzerland; and Kirsi Madi, Director, UNDRR. The final day of the Sixth 2019 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) in Geneva, Switzerland, featured a high-level dialogue and several working sessions, including talks on national and local disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), and the role of cities in achieving inclusive climate and disaster resilience. High-level dialogue participants discussed how to work towards achieving the international agendas set out in the Sendai Framework for DRR, the Paris Agreement on climate, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in a coherent manner, with a strong focus on reducing vulnerability and poverty. Participants observed that urbanization is the defining demographic trend of this century, and requires resilient and inclusive infrastructure. Events of the day culminated in the announcement of the 2019 RISK Award winner, which this year went to Nandan Mukherjee at the University of Dundee, for his work in developing floating homes in Bangladesh. The biennial award recognizes outstanding projects in the field of risk reduction and disaster management, and provides €100,000 for project activities, given by the Munich Re Foundation. Closing the event, Co-Chair Manuel Sager, State Secretary and Director-General of the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, Switzerland, presented highlights from the Co-Chairs’ summary of the Sixth Global Platform, and offered concluding thoughts on what had been achieved during the week: strong exchanges between the DRR and climate action communities; 50% representation of women on panels; multi-stakeholder participation, including by city mayors; and discussions of “the resilience dividend” that can be achieved through action on DRR. He urged more countries to develop and report on DRR strategies at the national and local levels through the Sendai Framework Monitor, an online tool for reporting and analysis. Co-Chair Mami Mizutori, Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), said the 2019 Global Assessment Report sends a clear message that risk is complex and systemic, exacerbates inequality, and preys on the vulnerable. She sounded a call to delegates that “our cause is just and right.” She declared the conference closed at 5:49 PM. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, has provided daily web coverage, daily reports, and a summary report from GP2019, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Ángeles Estrada For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page High-Level Dialogue Panelists at the High-Level Dialogue on pursuing coherence between the Sendai Framework, the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement (L-R): Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs African Union; Norbert Barthle, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany; Audrey Aumua, Pacific Community; Javier Abugattas Fatule, Head, National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN), Peru; and Koko Warner, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Norbert Barthle, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, and Audrey Aumua, Pacific Community Javier Abugattas Fatule, Head of CEPLAN (National Center for Strategic Planning), Peru; and Koko Warner, UNFCCC Minata Samate Cessouma, African Union Working Sessions Panelists at a working session discuss “Ensuring Coordination in the Development and Implementation of National Risk Reduction Strategies and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)” (L-R): Hana Hamadalla Mohamed, Chair of the Least Developed Countries Expert Group; Emmanuel Guzman, Climate Change Commission, Philippines; and Nazhat Shameem Khan, Fiji. Participants crowd into a meeting room to hear speakers on “Ensuring Coordination in the Development and Implementation of National Risk Reduction Strategies and National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).” Panelists address the room at a working session on “Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems: Progress and Challenges to Achieve Target G” (L-R): Peter Felten, Germany; Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO); and Saima Hossain, Shuchona Foundation, Bangladesh Osvaldo Luiz Leal de Moraes, Director of the National Early Warning and Monitoring Centre of Natural Disasters, Brazil Guleid Artan, Director, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC), and Esline Garaebiti, Vanuatu Panelists address the working session on “Cities on the forefront of achieving inclusive climate and disaster resilience” (L-R): Aromar Revi, Director, Indian Institute for Human Settlements; Farah Kabir, ActionAid, Bangladesh; Sami Kanaan, Mayor of Geneva, Switzerland; Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Jamaica; Cinthia Borjas Valenzuela, Municipality of the Central District of Tegucigalpa, Honduras; and Maruxa Cardama, Secretary-General, Partnership on Sustainable, Low Carbon Transport (SloCaT) Delegates take part in a working session on “Cities on the forefront of achieving inclusive climate and disaster resilience.” Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid, Bangladesh Cinthia Borjas Valenzuela, Municipality of the Central District of Tegucigalpa, Honduras Risk Award Thomas Loster, Chairman, Munich Re Foundation; Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for DRR; and Nandan Mukarjhee, University of Dundee Mami Mizutori, Special Representative of SRSG for DRR Thomas Loster, Chairman, Munich Re Foundation Around the Venue Minata Samate Cessouma, Commissioner for Political Affairs African Union; Audrey Aumua, Pacific Community; Javier Abugattas Fatule, Head, National Center for Strategic Planning (CEPLAN), Peru; Norbert Barthle, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany; and Koko Warner, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Participants from Nigeria pose for a photograph (L-R): Luqman Salami, Maryam Yau, Ochanya Ruth Anike, and Mustapha Yunusa. Participants around the venue A 3-D printer on display at the conference venue offers possibilities for making equipment that can be used in emergencies. An exhibit shows the use of 3-D printers in emergencies.

Highlights for Tuesday, 16 April 2019 The pre-events for the fifth session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD 5) were held on Tuesday, 16 April 2019, at the Palais des Congrès de la Palmeraie in Marrakech, Morocco. Participants convened throughout the day in three workshops:The Regional Preparatory Workshop for Africa Voluntary National Review (VNR) Countries: Strengthening Integrated and Voluntary National Review and Reporting of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 – this session created a space for peer-learning and experience sharing on VNR reporting and strengthening the capacity of those countries undertaking VNRs in support of SDGs and the Agenda 2063. Participants addressed the role of supreme audit institutions in implementation, follow-up and review of the SDGs, and discussed the expectations and formats of VNR reports.The Major Groups and other Stakeholders’ Capacity-building and Preparatory Meeting for ARFSD 5 – this meeting outlined strategies to enhance stakeholder participation in the follow-up and implementation of the SDGs. Discussions focused on: best approaches to facilitate joint implementation of the SDGs and Agenda 2063; the role of multiple stakeholders, including parliaments; inclusive policies, notably for children, women, disabled and aging populations; and measures to mobilize resources and overcome finance gaps.The Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum – this session raised opportunities for scaling up actions considering the role of STI in accelerating efforts to achieve the SDGs under review by ARFSD 5. These SDGs are: SDG 4 (quality education); SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth); SDG 10 (reduced inequalities); SDG 13 (climate action); SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions); and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals). IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from ARFSD 5. In addition IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report from ARFSD 5, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by Ismail El Bouyakoubi/ECA View of the venue Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum Karima Bounemra Ben Soltane, UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), facilitating the opening session Participants during the workshop View of room during the workshop Preparatory and Capacity Development Workshop for Major Groups and Other Stakeholders in Africa Lilia Hachem Nas, ECA; Jacqueline Amongin, Pan-African Parliament, and Stephen Chacha, Africa Philanthrophic Foundation Participants during workshop View of room during the workshop Regional Preparatory Workshop for Africa Voluntary National Review Countries View of the room during the workshop Mansour Ndiaye, UNDP; Charles Akol, ECA and Kate Helfenstein-Louw, IISD-RS Tonya Vaturi, UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs

Highlights for Wednesday, 17 April 2019 Delegates posing for a family photo On Wednesday, 17 April 2019, the Head of the Government of Morocco, Saad Dine El Otmani officially opened ARFSD 5, in Marrakech, Morocco, and in a keynote address, he described ARFSD 5 as a watershed moment for Africa to unite in stepping up efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Giovanie Biha, Deputy Executive Secretary, ECA, lauded Africa for successfully increasing the number of Voluntary National Review (VNR) submissions to the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). Mesfin Tessema, African Union Commission (AUC), highlighted synergies between ARFSD 5 and the 2019 Year of Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced People.A high-level panel session then took place, under the theme ‘Empowering People and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality: Stepping up Action to Deliver the Commitments Contained in Agenda 2030.’ Delegates adopted the meeting agenda and approved the new Bureau, with delegates electing Nezha El Ouafi, Secretary of State in Charge of Sustainable Development, Morocco, as ARFSD 5 Chair.In the afternoon, a panel session on VNRs and peer learning on implementation, follow-up and review of Agendas 2030 and 2063 took place. Delegates also participated in parallel panel meetings on the sub-themes of the Forum: SDG 4 (quality education); SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth); SDG 10 (reduced inequalities); SDG 13 (climate action); SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions); and SDG 17 (partnerships for the Goals).The key messages from these sessions on progress of implementation, emerging issues, challenges and opportunities, and means of implementation will be presented to plenary Thursday, 18 April 2019, and will contribute to Africa’s position at the High-level Political Forum. IISD Reporting Services, through its ENB+ Meeting Coverage, provided daily web coverage from ARFSD 5. In addition IISD Reporting Services has published a summary report from ARFSD 5, which is available in HTML and PDF. Photos by IISD/ENB | Sean Wu For photo reprint permissions, please follow instructions at our Attribution Regulations for Meeting Photo Usage Page Opening Session Saad Dine El Otmani, Head of the Government of Morocco Oliver Chinganya, ECA Giovanie Biha, Deputy Director, ECA Young volunteers presenting gift bags to VIP guests Applause from the floor during the opening session Mesfin Tessema, AUC Nezha El Ouafi, Secretary of State in Charge of Sustainable Development, Morocco The dais during the opening session High-level Panel on Empowering People and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality Delegates chatting during a break Jenerali Ulimwengu, Tanzania Oliver Chinganya, ECA Batio Bassiere, Minister of Environment, Green Economy and Climate Change, Burkina Faso Moumina Houmed Hassan, Minister for Women and Family, Djibouti Panelists discuss stepping up action to deliver the SDGs. Sheila Gweneth Carey, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Bahamas to the UN Afework Kassu Gizaw, State Minister of Science and Higher Education, Ethiopia Lively participation during the Q&A session Jacqueline Amongin, Uganda Abou Mouhamed Moubarack Lô, Senegal H.R.H. Princess Abze Djigma, Special Envoy to the President of Burkina Faso for SDGs and Climate Change Election of the Bureau ARFSD 4 Chair Saliou Niang Dieng, Senegal ARFSD 5 Chair Nezha El Ouafi, Morocco, and ARFSD 4 Chair Saliou Niang Dieng, Senegal Parallel Panel Meetings Around the venue