In the past 17 months, the IRDR network was well represented in the preparatory work and actual proceedings in Sendai. IRDR scientists provided a good deal of information about the role of science and technology in general, as well as IRDR’s own specific role in the implementation of the framework that was to be agreed upon. This took place as part of the ICSU Scientific community moblization at the ICSU booth in Sendai.

IRDR representatives were also panelists at side events such as the one organized by the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.  The present Chair of the IRDR Scientific Committe gave a talk on Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Disaster Risk Management; Linking Science to Policy and Practice; IRDR’s role. IRDR’s Centre of Excellence in Africa, IcoE-REAL or ’PeriPeri U.’, also organized a capacity building event during the Conference.

Two leaders of IRDR’s FORIN project made a presentation of the forthcoming second version of FORIN within the IRDR session at Sendai. One then also participated in a presentation on the Role of Higher-Education Institutions in Latin America.

The Sendai Framework that resulted is a landmark international framework calling for a shift from managing disasters to managing risks. This requires a more holistic approach to risks and a stronger focus on risk-creation processes, and presents opportunities to approach disaster risk reduction (DRR) as an integral part of sustainable development with more of the results of scientific research and technology brought to bear.

For further information, please download IRDR Annual Report 2015.