In-Focus: UN Women at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR)
Date:
In 2024, the Government of the Philippines partnered with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to host the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) from 14 to 18 October 2024.
The APMCDRR is the main platform in Asia and the Pacific to monitor, review and enhance cooperation for the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, including the Sendai Gender Action Plan (GAP), at the regional level. The conference brought together governments, intergovernmental, international, national and civil society organizations, the private sector, science, academia and stakeholder groups to accelerate progress in reducing disaster risk.
UN Women’s engagement at the APMCDRR 2024 focused on advocating for gender-responsive disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies, advancing women’s leadership in resilience efforts, and ensuring gender integration in conference outcomes. The Co-Chairs' Statement prominently featured the Sendai GAP, aligning with priorities from the UN General Assembly’s Political Declaration of the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, the Sendai GAP Implementation Plan, and the Early Warnings for All initiative.
UN Women led 17 key engagements, including Ignite Talks, Learning Labs, market booths, and bilateral meetings, and facilitated sessions on anticipatory action, early warnings, and the Sendai GAP, notably through the Fail Forward Café. Additionally, UN Women co-hosted a gender-focused session under Pillar 2, "Leave No One Behind," in collaboration with UNDRR and UNFPA, emphasizing the localization of the Sendai GAP. Engagements extended to collaboration with the APMCDRR Gender Stakeholder Group, contributing to the Gender Expert Desk and Gender Observatory. The event included organizing a Gender Champion session and other critical meetings, underscoring UN Women’s commitment to embedding gender in DRR policies and advancing inclusive, gender-responsive approaches across regional DRR initiatives.
Read more about APMCDRR.
16 Oct 2024 | 09:00 - 10:15 (PST+08)
Leaving No One Behind: Gender-responsive and Disability-inclusive Disaster Risk Governance
This plenary highlighted how diverse disaster risk governance can enhance disaster and climate resilience, address gaps in disaggregated data and risk knowledge, and promote inclusive, people-centered approaches. Read more.
16 Oct 2024 | 13:45 - 14:45 (GST+08)
Inclusive and Impactful: Practical Lessons in Coherent Implementation of EW4All, Anticipatory Action and the Sendai Gender Action Plan
Explore practical lessons and inspiring stories on integrating gender and disability inclusion in disaster risk reduction. Learn about the Sendai Gender Action Plan, EW4ALL, and Anticipatory Action for building resilient, inclusive communities. Read more.
16 Oct 2024 | 15:45 - 16:45 (PST+08)
Heritage of Resilience: A Model for Gender Responsive and Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction in the Pacific”
The event highlighted the importance of integrating gender and social inclusion into DRR and resilience strategies to improve community resilience and sustainable development across the Pacific. Read more.
17 Oct 2024 | 11:00 - 12:30 (PST+08)
Fail Forward Cafe: Turning Setbacks into Success Stories in Disaster Risk Reduction
UN Women and the Humanitarian Advisory Group presented the "Fail Forward Cafe". Share failures, reflect on lessons, and innovate for DRR. Features storytelling, discussions, and action planning with a fun twist. Read more.
17 Oct 2024 |11:00 - 12:00 (PST+08)
Strengthening the Legal Foundation of Disaster Risk Reduction
This session focused on leveraging laws to build resilience, highlighting good practices from Asia and the Pacific. It will explore human rights-based approaches to disaster risk reduction, demonstrating how law can reduce risk. Read more.
WE Respond: Gender Responsive organization Dashboard
The mapping initiative, developed by the Asia Pacific Regional Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group (GIHA WG) and supported by UN Women and UNICEF, aims to raise the profile integration of Women and Girl- Focused Organizations (WGFOs) into regional and national humanitarian and disaster risk reduction efforts. Read more
