2nd Global Summit of Research Institutes for
Disaster Risk Reduction: Development of aResearch Road Map for the Next Decade

19 to 20 March 2015

RESOLUTION
DOCUMENT

Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI)
Kyoto University, Uji Campus
Kyoto, Japan

2nd Global Summit of Research Institutes for Disaster Risk
Reduction: Development of a Research Road Map for the Next Decade
Following the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), advances have been made in
the application of damage reduction principles, but many challenges remain as
seen by the continued increase in disaster losses. Also, the new Sendai
Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 with support from theScientific and Technical Advisory Group of the United Nations Office for Disaster
Risk Reduction (UNISDR), has pointed out the need to better link objectives withsustainable development and climate change efforts towards a common goal of
harmonious living with nature and our planet. The Framework explicitly calls for
coordinated efforts by the scientific community to deepen the understanding ofdisaster risks, promote evidenced-based implementation of disaster risk reduction
strategies, and transfer and disseminate scientific knowledge and technologies insupport of decision making processes.
Building on the recent momentum of these efforts, participants of the “2nd Global
Summit of Research Institutes for Disaster Risk Reduction: Development of a
Research Road Map for the Next Decade,” met to discuss how the disaster
research institutes can contribute to disaster risk reduction in the next 15 years,
in accordance with the goals and support the implementation of the Sendai
Framework.
One outcome is the establishment of a new organization of institutes involved indisaster risk research, the “Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes(GADRI).” GADRI will be a forum for sharing knowledge and promoting
collaboration on topics related to disaster risk reduction and resilience todisasters. GADRI will facilitate discussions on:• Planning and organization of disaster risk research• Promotion of trans-disciplinary research efforts to deepen our understanding ofincreasingly complex disaster risks and find feasible solutions to reduce
disaster risks.
• Establishment of an international network for timely communication related todisaster risk research

Furthermore, to ensure future collaborations and help in planning of a 15-yearroad map, heated discussions took place in four groups: Integrated Disaster Risk
Management, Atmospheric and Water Related Disasters, Earthquake andVolcanic Disasters, and Geo-Hazards. Significant issues that were common toseveral groups include:
1. Use of big datasets with open and transparent access through databases
should be improved. This includes archiving current data and collecting
needed new information (e.g. instrumental monitoring, societal data). Realtime applications for early warning and fast response to disasters will become
important.
2. Better trans-disciplinary efforts are needed to improve the understanding ofdisaster events and develop appropriate mitigation efforts. Complex issues
related to science, engineering, technological, environmental, health, socialand economic, which act as both triggers and effects can arise in the same
event, which require evaluations by experts in a wide range of fields. Farreaching ripple effects have also been identified and need to be studied.
3. Improved communication and clarification of important terms are needed formore effective trans-disciplinary research. Presenting the potential effects
and severe consequences of disasters in terms of the societal risk ands u s t a i n a b i l i t y m a y c o m m u n i c a t e t h e i s s u e s m o r e c l e a r l y.
4. We should promote and facilitate access to data for scientific research in allcountries. This includes capacity building initiatives that can help developing
countries produce, have access to and use scientific information.
5. Regular meetings for exchange of information and discussion of timely issues
among the international participants are important for the advance of
research and appropriate disaster reduction efforts.
Finally, the participants agreed that GADRI should support the goals of theSendai Framework and the commitments proposed on behalf of the science andtechnology communities by the UNISDR Science and Technical Advisory Group.
It was agreed that the goals of GADRI be posted on the UNISDR Voluntary
Commitments website (http://www.wcdrr.org/preparatory/commitments).
For more information visit the 2nd Summit website at:
http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/gndw/
GADRI Secretariat
Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI)
Kyoto University, Uji Campus, Kyoto, Japan