‘At the grass roots we can work on our own to reach success. We both learn from and teach our fellow leaders in the network, but it is also important that we have influence at the global level so we can advocate on issues and push policy dialogue”.

Deicy Wenas from Indonesia received an award for her work with deaf people. She initiated ‘The Voice of Silence’ programme a collaboration with Indonesia’s disaster management agency (BNPB) which has resulted in the needs of deaf people being included in national and local early warning and DRR plans. Deicy’s message at the event was clear.

“The needs of deaf people are largely taken for granted in DRR planning. Inclusiveness is not about picking up those left behind, everyone can be included in society despite their disabilities.”

Mayor Alfredo Arquillano from San Francisco in the Philippines also received an award. He was recognised for his work in empowering local fishing communities in Camotes Island by developing a unique risk management system that combines indigenous practices with modern technology.

Otgonbayar Baljin, from the Mongolian Red Cross Darkhan branch, was recognised for her role in establishing community groups that help Mongolia’s herder communities to construct winter shelters to protect their livestock from the harsh winters which reduce losses from starvation and exposure.

Speaking at the event Willem Rampangilei, Chief of the Ministry of the National Disaster Management Authority (BNPB), Indonesia, said: “Leadership at local level holds the key to successful DRR. Local authorities should put the well-being of their communities above all else, they need to serve as agents of change and work across hierarchies. We need to draw on traditional knowledge and local wisdom and recognise people wo live amongst us who take small steps that have a big impact”.

Promoting local leadership is integral to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and a cornerstone of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction which takes an all of society approach to building disaster resilience.

“Local action is fundamental towards achieving target (e). of the Sendai Framework which is to substantially increase the number of countries with local and national DRR plans by 2020,” said Ms. Mami Mizutori, Special Representative for the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction.

“The commitment of these local leaders in the region in building disaster resilience at community-level is inspirational and deserves to be recognised and celebrated.”

Date:

6 Jul 2018

Sources:

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Asia and Pacific (UNISDR AP)

Themes:

Capacity Development, Community-based DRR, Advocacy & Media, Small Islands Developing States (SIDS)

Countries:

Indonesia, Mongolia, Philippines, Vanuatu

Regions:

Asia, Oceania