GADRI
Global Alliance ofDisaster Research Institutes

The Charterof the Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI)

Adopted by the GADRI Board of Directors meeting heldat GADRI Secretariat, Disaster Prevention ResearchInstitute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Uji Campus, Kyoto,
Japan on 24 June 2016

GADRI Charter

Background
Based on the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), advances have been made in
the application of damage reduction principles, yet many challenges remain as
seen by the continued increase in disaster losses. The Sendai Framework forDisaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR) has pointed out the needs to betterlink sustainable development and climate change towards a universal goal of
harmonious life with nature and our planet. The Framework explicitly called 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 andtechnologies in support of decision making processes.
Building on the momentum of these efforts, the “2nd Global Summit of ResearchInstitutes for Disaster Risk Reduction: Development of a Research Road Map for
the Next Decade,” discussed how the disaster research institutes could
contribute to disaster risk reduction in the next 15 years, in accordance with thegoals set out by the SFDRR.
In 2015, the Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (hereinafterreferred to as “GADRI”) was established as a collaborative platform for engaging
discussion, sharing knowledge and promoting networks on topics related to risk
reduction and resilience to disasters.

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Article 1: Name and vision
1.1

Name

Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI) – hereinafter referred toas “GADRI”.
1.2

VisionGADRI strives to deepen the understanding of disasters and find implementable
solutions to achieve disaster resilience; i.e. human, technical system andinfrastructure resilience, survivability and well-being, by integrating knowledge
and technologies from around the world.

Article 2: Purpose and Objectives
2.1

PurposeGADRI seeks to contribute to enhancing disaster risk reduction and disaster
resilience in close collaboration with organizations around the world throughsharing of information, knowledge, experiences, ideas and initiatives on relevant
research.
2.2

Objectives

To achieve the above purpose, GADRI has the following objectives:a.

To establish a global research network that promotes and engages disasterresearch.

b.

To provide a research road map, with plans that help facilitate theorganization of disaster research groups.

c.

To promote capacity building and development of disaster research institutes
and enhances researcher and student exchange.

d.

To promote exchange and sharing of data and information for scientificresearch across the globe.

4e.

To serve as an advocacy organization presenting evidence-based approaches
that influence decision-making processes.

Article 3: Activities
GADRI will engage in the following activities:a. Planning and organization of collaborative disaster risk research initiatives
b. Formation of international research groups to investigate current global
disasters, and implement new research methodologies for disaster risk
reduction and implementationc.

Establishment of an international network for timely communication related
to research on disasters

d. Organization of conferences, workshops and meetings
e. Dissemination and sharing of information, publications, reports, data andother research outputsf.

Facilitation of rapid reconnaissance field surveys following disasters

g. Preparation of GADRI news releases, policy recommendations, newsbulletins, research reports, and other publications.

Article 4: Membership
4.1 Institutes with an aim to contribute to the advancement of disaster research,and those working in the field of disaster risk reduction are eligible tobecome members of GADRI.
4.2 Those interested institutes should complete the membership form andsubmit it to the Secretariat for acceptance.
4.3 For the purpose of sharing knowledge and promoting collaboration, GADRI
may designate, on grounds of excellence related to disaster research
implementation for risk reduction, certain institutions and centers asassociated institutions/collaborating institutions, on terms and conditions tobe decided by the Board of Directors.

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4.4 At present, there is no membership fee charged to members. Donations arewelcomed.

Article 5: Organizational Structure
The structure of GADRI consists of:a. General Assembly which includes all GADRI member institutions.
b. Board of Directors that shall serve as the governing board of GADRI basedon representatives from institutions elected to board level by GADRI
membership.
c.

Chair elected by the Board of Directors.

d. Secretariat with Secretary-General elected by the Board of Directors.

Article 6: General Assembly
6.1

The General Assembly includes all member institutions including theBoard of Directors’ member institutions.

6.2

The General Assembly approves the members of the Board of Directors.

6.3

The General Assembly approves important decisions made by the Board ofDirectors.

6.4

The General Assembly approves the location and functions of theSecretariat.

6.5

GADRI shall nominally hold a biennial General Assembly as part of theGlobal Summit.

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Article 7: Board of Directors
7.1

There shall be a Board of Directors (hereinafter referred to as “the Board”)
to be established on a broad geographical basis with regard to academic,scientific, educational and disaster vulnerability trends in the world, andrecognizing the designated research areas.

The Board shall have 11

member institutions serving in their individual capacity, who shall be
nominated by the Secretariat and approved by the General Assembly.
7.2

The Board shall elect a Chair of the Board to facilitate discussions andpresent reports to the General Assembly.

7.3

The term of Board members is four years. Half of the first Board willserve for two years.

7.4

The Board shall:a.

Formulate principles and policies which shall guide the activities andoperations of the Board.

b.

Acceptmembershipofinstitutions

andcenters

toencourage

cooperation and sharing of knowledge.
c.

Formulate the work programme and budget.

d.

Approve project proposals.

e.

Review outcomes of the execution of its plans.

f.

Issue directives and recommendations necessary or desirable for theeffective functioning of GADRI.

g.
7.5

Report biennially to the General Assembly.

The Board shall meet in regular sessions, with a quorum of two-thirds ofBoard member institutions, at least once a year. The Board meeting shallbe convened by the Secretariat of GADRI.

7.6

The Board shall consider options and methods for financing of future
operations, and continuity within its framework. It shall also consider
various agreements/MOUs with institutions and centers in order to8
promote activities of GADRI.
Article 8: Secretariat
8.1

With endorsement of the General Assembly, the GADRI Secretariat iscurrently located at the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI),
Kyoto University, Uji Campus, Kyoto, Japan which supports its operation.

8.2

The roles and responsibilities of the Secretariat are:a. The Secretariat shall be responsible for the direction, administration,programming and coordination of GADRI; and ensures effective andprompt action.
b. The Secretariat shall function under the instructions and suggestionsof the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General shall be decided bymajority vote of the Board of Directors.
c.

To propose specific activities to the Board of Directors.

d. To facilitate the formulation and implementation, with the approval ofthe Board, of policies, programmes and priorities identified by theGeneral Assembly.
e. In order to accomplish its goals, the GADRI Secretariat may organize
internationally coordinated research initiatives with appropriateinstitutions and centers.
f.

To organize meetings of the General Assembly and the Board ofDirectors.

g. To coordinate communication and disseminate information amongmembers.
h. To provide services to members and other organizations as authorized
by the Board.
i.

To develop publications and outreach materials.

j.

To maintain a website and update the information contained therein;
andk. To promote membership of GADRI.

9Article 9: Representation of the Views of GADRIThe Board shall determine the manner and procedure for establishing thecollective views of GADRI pertaining to any matter within its functions, scope oractivities. These collective views may be presented to governments or privategroups, without impairing the rights of individual members to present their ownviews.

Article 10: Committees
The Board shall create committees to carry out important functions of GADRI or
undertake activities on specific issues. Committees can be formed in response toneeds of the disaster risk reduction community.

Article 11: Resources
11.1. GADRI shall welcome funds and / or other forms of support necessary forits work through direct or indirect contributions, donations, grants andlegacies, provided these are in line with the vision, purpose and objectivesof GADRI.
11.2. The Secretariat will prepare a budget with the available resources for approvalby the Board of Directors.

Article 12: Amendments
The Charter shall be amended with the following procedures:
a. A request for amendments shall be a written submission to the Secretariat,

10either by a member of GADRI or by the Board, not later than two months
prior to the meeting of the General Assembly.
b. Such proposals shall be circulated to the members of GADRI at least one
month prior to the General Assembly.
c.

Proposed amendments shall be accepted by a two-thirds majority of theGeneral Assembly members present and voting.

d. The approved amendments enter into effect at the closing of the GeneralAssembly.

Finalized at the GADRI BoD Meeting held at the GADRI Secretariat,DPRI, Kyoto University, Uji Campus, Kyoto, Japan on 24 June 2016