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) aam.gb KUNA 162016 May 09NNNN