5 facts on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a 15-year plan that was adopted by the United Nations Member States in March 2015. It aims to reduce existing risks, prevent the creation of new risk and increase resilience. A Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework was completed in 2023, assessing progress and identifying priorities for accelerating disaster risk reduction efforts toward 2030.

1. The Framework is named after the city of Sendai, Japan

   In 2011, a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the eastern part of the Japanese coast, including Sendai. The disaster claimed over 15,000 lives and caused widespread destruction, reinforcing international efforts to strengthen disaster risk reduction. The Sendai Framework builds on the earlier Hyogo Framework for Action, which was adopted in 2005 and also focused on reducing disaster risk.

2. Four key priorities are at the heart of the Framework to strengthen resilience and reduce disaster risk

   The priorities are: understanding disaster risk, improving governance to manage it, investing in risk reduction for resilience and enhancing preparedness for effective response and recovery. These priorities are meant to help "Build Back Better" after a disaster occurs.

3. The Framework identifies seven global targets to be achieved by 2030

   These targets are aimed at reducing the number of deaths, people affected and economic losses caused by disasters, as well as increasing the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies. The framework also aims to increase the availability and accessibility of disaster risk information and early warning systems, strengthen international cooperation and improve the resilience of critical infrastructure and essential services.

4. The Sendai Framework acknowledges the importance of addressing the underlying drivers of disaster risk

   Tackling root causes such as poverty, inequality, urbanization, climate change and environmental degradation are key. The Framework also emphasizes the need to promote sustainable development and to integrate disaster risk reduction into all sectors and policies. It recognizes the importance of promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women, children and vulnerable groups, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters.

5. The Sendai Framework is closely linked to other international agreements

   The Framework supports broader international agreements, including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement, by promoting disaster risk reduction as a key component of sustainable development. The 2023 Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework highlighted that, despite progress, major challenges remain in integrating disaster risk reduction into development planning and investment decisions. It also emphasized the importance of stronger governance, international cooperation and preparedness for emerging risks, including those linked to climate change, pandemics and interconnected disasters.