2. Highlights of 2013/2014
2-1. Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2014
ACDR2014 was held in Tokyo, Japan on 4-6 March 2014. The conference was organizedjointly by the government of Japan, the United Nations Secretariat of theInternational Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and the Asian Disaster Reduction
Center (ADRC). The conference was attended by a total of 119 participants, including highlevel government officials from 26 countries, as well as representatives of 26 international andregional organizations, the academic community, and the private sector.
ACDR2014 was opened by Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Senior Vice-Minister of the Cabinet
Office of Japan. Mr. Nishimura began by expressing his deepest gratitude to all of theparticipants for their support following the Great East Japan Earthquake. He then discussed theimportance of the experience gained and lessons learned from that disaster. He indicated thatthe outcomes of this conference are expected to be incorporated into the Post-2015 Frameworkfor Disaster Risk Reduction (HFA2).
The keynote presentation, by Dr. Satoru Nishikawa, Vice-President of the Japan Water
Agency, highlighted Japan's experience and how it might be addressed in the HFA2 andoutlined expectations for the upcoming 3rd WCDRR. Prof. Osamu Murao of Tohoku University
also gave a talk on “Lessons Learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake and the Current
Recovery Efforts.”
The key topics addressed at ACDR2014 were as follows:
1. HFA progress and challenges towards Post-HFA
2. Strengthening local capacity for disaster risk reduction (DRR)
3. Human resource development and training
4. Utilization of space technology for DRR
Session 1, entitled “HFA Progress and Challenges toward HFA2,” aimed to identify the gapsand challenges that remain in promoting the HFA, as well as to share good practices developedin member countries. The session was also expected to facilitate the discussion on HFA2 inAsia.
Session 2, entitled “Strengthening Local Capacity for DRR,” discussed best practices in local
level activities in the field of disaster management, highlighting the importance of citizen
participation in all aspects of disaster management from preparation to recovery, thedevelopment of disaster management strategies tailored to the specific features of local
communities, and the promotion of business continuity planning (BCP) among small andmedium-sized businesses.
Session 3, entitled “Human Resource Development and Training,” gave an overview of thecurrent situation in this area, and aimed to share good practices and challenges faced in the area42. Highlights of 2013/2014of human resource development and training in the region. The session was also expected tofacilitate the discussion of future projects in Asia.
Session 4 was entitled “Utilization of Space Technology for DRR.” The HFA stipulates theimportance of space technologies in Chapter 2. Strengthening DRR will be facilitated by theaccelerated use of various technologies, such as remote sensing, GIS, ICT, risk assessment tools,
early warning systems, and weather monitoring technologies.
In closing, Mr. Kiyoshi Natori, Executive Director of ADRC, presented the chair's summary ofACDR2014. He announced that lessons drawn from the conference will provide important
feedback that can be used in developing the programs for the upcoming 6th AMCDRR and 3rdWCDRR. The participants also agreed that ongoing ADRC activities, such as those designed tostrengthen human networks, will continue to be pursued in member countries. Closing remarks
were given by Mr. Masatoshi Yokkaichi, Director of Disaster Awareness and International
Cooperation for the Cabinet Office of Japan.
ACDR2014 was a great success thanks to the important contributions made by all of thespeakers and the active involvement of all participants. Please visit the ACDR2014 website formore information.
http://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2014_index.html

Fig. 2-1-1 ACDR 20145