3TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background ............................................................................................ 4Article 1: Name and Vision .................................................................. 5Article 2: Purpose and Objectives ........................................................ 5Article 3: Activities ............................................................................... 7Article 4: Membership .......................................................................... 8Article 5: Organizational Structure ..................................................... 9Article 6: General Assembly ................................................................. 9Article 7: Board of Directors ............................................................... 10Article 8: Secretariat........................................................................... 12Article 9: Representation of the Views of GADRI ............................. 13Article 10: Committees ....................................................................... 13Article 11: Resources .......................................................................... 14Article 12: Amendments ..................................................................... 14

4The Charter of theGlobal Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes(GADRI)BackgroundBased on the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), advances have beenmade in the application of damage reduction principles, yet manychallenges remain as seen by the continued increase in disaster losses. TheSendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 (SFDRR) haspointed out the needs to better link sustainable development and climatechange towards a universal goal of harmonious life with nature and ourplanet. The Framework explicitly called for coordinated efforts by thescientific community to deepen the understanding of disaster risks, promoteevidenced-based implementation of disaster risk reduction strategies, andtransfer and disseminate scientific knowledge and technologies in supportof decision making processes.
Building on the momentum of these efforts, the “2nd Global Summit ofResearch Institutes for Disaster Risk Reduction: Development of aResearch Road Map for the Next Decade,” discussed how the disasterresearch institutes could contribute to disaster risk reduction in the next 15years, in accordance with the goals set out by the SFDRR.
In 2015, the Global Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (hereinafterreferred to as “GADRI”) was established as a collaborative platform forengaging discussion, sharing knowledge and promoting networks on topicsrelated to risk reduction and resilience to disasters.

5Article 1: Name and Vision

1.1 NameGlobal Alliance of Disaster Research Institutes (GADRI) –hereinafter referred to as “GADRI”.

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

Article 2: Purpose and Objectives

2.1 Purpose

GADRI seeks to contribute to enhancing disaster riskreduction and disaster resilience in close collaboration withorganizations

aroundtheworldthroughsharingofinformation, knowledge, experiences, ideas and initiativeson relevant research.

62.2 Objectives

To achieve the above purpose, GADRI has the followingobjectives:a. To establish a global research network that promotesand engages disaster research.
b. To provide a research road map, with plans that helpfacilitate the organization of disaster research groups.
c. To promote capacity building and development ofdisaster research institutes and enhances researcherand student exchange.
d. To

promoteexchange

andsharingofdata

andinformation for scientific research across the globe.
e. To serve as an advocacy organization presentingevidence-based approaches that influence decisionmaking processes.

7Article 3: Activities

GADRI will engage in the following activities:

a. Planning and organization of collaborative disaster riskresearch initiativesb. Formation of international research groups to investigatecurrent global disasters, and implement new researchmethodologies for disaster risk reduction and implementationc. Establishment of an international network for timelycommunication related to research on disastersd. Organization of conferences, workshops and meetingse. Dissemination and sharing of information, publications,reports, data and other research outputsf. Facilitation of rapid reconnaissance field surveys followingdisastersg. PreparationofGADRI

news

releases,policyrecommendations, news bulletins, research reports, andother publications.

8Article 4: Membership

4.1 Institutes with an aim to contribute to the advancement ofdisaster research, and those working in the field of disasterrisk reduction are eligible to become members of GADRI.

4.2 Thoseinterested

institutes

shouldcompletethemembership form and submit it to the Secretariat foracceptance.

4.3 For the purpose of sharing knowledge and promotingcollaboration, GADRI may designate, on grounds ofexcellence related to disaster research implementation forrisk reduction, certain institutions and centers as associatedinstitutions/collaborating

institutions,ontermsandconditions to be decided by the Board of Directors.
4.4 At present, there is no membership fee charged to members.
Donations are welcomed.

9Article 5: Organizational Structure

The structure of GADRI consists of:a. General Assembly which includes all GADRI memberinstitutions.
b. Board of Directors that shall serve as the governing board ofGADRI based on representatives from institutions elected toboard level by GADRI membership.
c.

Chair elected by the Board of Directors.

d. Secretariat with Secretary-General elected by the Board ofDirectors.
Article 6: General Assembly6.1 The General Assembly includes all member institutionsincluding the Board of Directors’ member institutions.
6.2 The General Assembly approves the members of the Boardof Directors.
6.3 The General Assembly approves important decisions madeby the Board of Directors.

10

6.4 The General Assembly approves the location and functionsof the Secretariat.

6.5 GADRI shall nominally hold a biennial General Assembly aspart of the Global Summit.

Article 7: Board of Directors7.1There shall be a Board of Directors (hereinafter referred toas “the Board”) to be established on a broad geographicalbasis with regard to academic, scientific, educational anddisaster vulnerability trends in the world, and recognizingthe designated research areas. The Board shall have 11member institutions serving in their individual capacity,who shall be nominated by the Secretariat and approved bythe General Assembly.

7.2The Board shall elect a Chair of the Board to facilitatediscussions and present reports to the General Assembly.

7.3The term of Board members is four years. Half of the firstBoard will serve for two years.

117.4The Board shall:a. Formulate principles and policies which shall guide theactivities and operations of the Board.
b. Accept membership of institutions and centers 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 ordesirable for the effective functioning of GADRI.
g. Report biennially to the General Assembly.

7.5The Board shall meet in regular sessions, with a quorum oftwo-thirds of Board member institutions, at least once ayear.

The Board meeting shall be convened by theSecretariat of GADRI.
7.6The Board shall consider options and methods for financingof future operations, and continuity within its framework.
It shall also consider various agreements/MOUs withinstitutions and centers in order to promote activities ofGADRI.

12Article 8: Secretariat8.1With endorsement of the General Assembly, the GADRISecretariat is currently located at the Disaster PreventionResearch Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Uji Campus,Kyoto, Japan which supports its operation.

8.2The roles and responsibilities of the Secretariat are:a. The Secretariat shall be responsible for the direction,administration,programmingandcoordination

ofGADRI; and ensures effective and prompt action.
b. The Secretariat shall function under the instructionsandsuggestions

oftheSecretary-General.

The

Secretary-General shall be decided by majority vote ofthe Board of Directors.
c. To propose specific activities to the Board of Directors.
d. To facilitate the formulation and implementation, withthe approval of the Board, of policies, programmes andpriorities identified by the General Assembly.
e. In order to accomplish its goals, the GADRI Secretariatmay organize internationally coordinated researchinitiatives with appropriate institutions and centers.
f. To organize meetings of the General Assembly and theBoard of Directors.
g. To

coordinate

communication

information among members.

anddisseminate

13h. To provide services to members and other organizationsas authorized by the Board.
i. To develop publications and outreach materials.
j. To maintain a website and update the informationcontained therein; andk. To promote membership of GADRI.
Article 9: Representation of the Views of GADRIThe Board shall determine the manner and procedure forestablishing the collective views of GADRI pertaining to anymatter within its functions, scope or activities. These collectiveviews may be presented to governments or private groups,without impairing the rights of individual members to presenttheir own views.
Article 10: CommitteesThe Board shall create committees to carry out importantfunctions of GADRI or undertake activities on specific issues.
Committees can be formed in response to needs of the disasterrisk reduction community.

14

Article 11: Resources11.1. GADRI shall welcome funds and / or other forms of supportnecessaryforits

workthroughdirector

indirectcontributions, donations, grants and legacies, providedthese are in line with the vision, purpose and objectives ofGADRI.
11.2. The Secretariat will prepare a budget with the availableresources for approval by the Board of Directors.
Article 12: AmendmentsThe Charter shall be amended with the following procedures:a. A request for amendments shall be a written submission tothe Secretariat, either by a member of GADRI or by theBoard, not later than two months prior to the meeting of theGeneral Assembly.
b. Such proposals shall be circulated to the members of GADRIat least one month prior to the General Assembly.
c. Proposed amendments shall be accepted by a two-thirdsmajority of the General Assembly members present andvoting.
d. The approved amendments enter into effect at the closing ofthe General Assembly.
*********************

15

Finalized at the GADRI Board of Directors Meeting held at GADRI Secretariat,Disaster Prevention Research Institutes (DPRI), Kyoto University, Uji Campus,Kyoto, Japan on 24 June 2016

16