Date : 16/05/2009
MANAMA, May 16 (KUNA) -- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will
unveil the first Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction at a
launch ceremony in Bahrain on Sunday.
Speaking to Bahrain News Agency (BNA) here on Saturday during his historic
visit to the Arab kingdom, Ban praised Bahrain for its contributions to the UN
efforts in this vital domain.
The launch ceremony will take place on the sidelines of an international
conference, to be held under the patronage of the kingdom's Prime Minister
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa will gather a range of regional and
international dignitaries, including Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein.
This will be the first time that a major UN publication is launched in the
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Ban Ki-moon affirmed Bahrain's ability to make a successful launch of the
UN report pertaining to the global efforts being made to curb the risks of
natural disasters through its expertise and utilization of its potentials to
activate the UN role in this field, BNA pointed out.
The two-day international conference will review the disaster risk
reduction and global warming.
The UN chief recalled that he presented Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman with the
UN Habitat Award in July, 2007, in recognition of the latter's efforts to
improve the housing and urban development policies of the kingdom.
He voiced hope that the region's countries would follow the example of the
Kingdom of Bahrain in implementing better housing policies.
He disclosed that he would sign a partnership between the UN and Bahrain
aiming to empower Bahraini women in the political, economic and social during
his first visit to the Arabian Gulf country.
The document will give impetus to woman empowerment one year ahead of
Bahrain's general elections, he affirmed.
The 200-page report is a collective effort of the International Strategy
for Disaster Reduction (ISDR) partnership, including the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP), the World Bank, United Nations Environment Program
(UNEP), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the ProVention Consortium,
regional inter-governmental and technical institutions, national governments,
civil society networks, academic/scientific institutions and many other
specific contributors.
"Although this comprehensive report primarily targets Government leaders
and their policy advisors, there is also a clear message that disaster risk
reduction is everybody's responsibility," said Margareta Wahlstrom, UN
Assistant Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.
"It is not only disaster reduction specialists - and governments - who
should prioritize consistent and effective prevention and mitigation measures,
this imperative is relevant to all of us, including our families and friends
and the communities in which we live," she added. (end)
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