2. Highlights of 2015/2016

2-2.

Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction 2016

Information sharing among member countries, advisor countries, and otherorganizations is indispensable for strengthening the network of people
reduction in Asia.

relevant

working for disaster risk

ADRC convenes an annual international conference attended by disaster risk

management officials from member countries and disaster experts from internationalorganizations to promote sharing of information and ideas, and to enhance partnerships among
participating countries and organizations. The Asian Conference on Disaster Reduction (ACDR)
2016 was held in Phuket, Thailand during 25-26 February 2016. The conference was organizedjointly by the Government of Thailand, the Government of Japan, the United Nations Secretariatof the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR), and ADRC. The 98 participants
included high level government officials from 24 countries, as well as representatives ofinternational and regional organizations, the academic community, and the private sector.
The key topics addressed at ACDR2016 were as follows:
1. Mega-disasters
2. Strengthening DRR through capacity development training and education
3. Science and technology supporting CBDRM: Upgrading DRM at the local levelFig.2-2-1. Participants of ACDR2016

ACDR2016 began with opening remarks by Dr. Masanori Hamda, ADRC Chairman, followedby remarks from Mr. Julio Surje of UNISDR, Dr. Masao Nishikawa, Vice-Minister for Policy
Coordination of the Cabinet Office of Japan, and H.E. Mr. Sutee Makboon, Deputy Minister ofInterior of Thailand. The keynote session featured presentations by Dr. Narayan Bahadur Thapa,
Under Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs of Nepal, Dr. Masao Nishikawa, and Mr. Suporn
Ratananakin, Advisor to the Director General of Thailand's DDPM.
Session one focused on Asia, which is facing rapid economic growth and progressive
urbanization, leading to increased risks. In this session, participants shared lessons for DRR
efforts in all phases ofdisaster, including preparedness, emergency response, recovery,7

reconstruction, and development, based on the diverse experiences of member countries.
In session two, through the discussion of issues and efforts of member countries, regionalorganizations, and academia, the following suggestions were made for promoting DRR training
and education in Asia: (1) Provide more opportunities to learn good practices and lessons learned
from disaster experiences, (2) Promote regional cooperation to avoid the duplication ofopportunities, (3) Effectively utilize world class training institutions for providing quality training,and (4) establish internationally compatible academic degrees in DRR to encourage students who
are willing and motivated to learn about DRR.
Session three focused on enhancing CBDRM approaches and the utilization of advanced
technologies such as on-site visualization using light-emitting sensors, internationallystandardized landslide early warning systems, unmanned aerial vehicle and drones, and integrated
information communication technology platforms. These technologies are essential for improving
the ability of communities to cope with new DRR challenges.
Closing remarks were given by Mr. Suporn Ratananakin, Advisor to the Director General of theDDPM of Thailand. ACDR2016 was a great success thanks to the important contributions of all
the speakers and the active involvement of all participants.
ACDR2016 documents and the final conference summary are available on the ADRC website
at http://www.adrc.asia/acdr/2016_index.html.

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