Asia-Pacific countries come together in Brisbane to tackle Disaster Risk Reduction

Disaster experts and policy makers from across the Asia-Pacific will meet in Brisbane this week to lay the groundwork for the 2020 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction.

The conference, to be held in Brisbane in June 2020 in conjunction with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) will host more than 3,000 delegates from 50 countries in Brisbane to address challenges in implementing the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 across the Asia-Pacific region.

Minister for State Development and the Minister responsible for the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) Cameron Dick said Queensland had a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to the table.

“Already this season we have experienced unheard-of bushfire activity around parts of the state. The efforts of Queenslanders are unparalleled in disaster management and resilience.

“The Palaszczuk Government is proud to welcome 120 delegates from across the Asia-Pacific to Brisbane this week to advance the 2020 conference, and to canvas ways the conference can accelerate efforts to reduce the humanitarian, economic and environmental costs of disasters,” Mr Dick said.

“Over the past decade we have seen the frequency and intensity of disasters such as tropical cyclone, major floods, extreme heatwaves and bushfires rise.

“In the last year, our state recovery and reconstruction bill was more than $1.3 billion.

“But of course, we are not alone in these experiences and our communities and disaster recovery workers have experiences and know-how to share. This is a global issue and we are committed to working with the UNDRR and nations across our region to help reduce the impact of future disasters.

“This is our opportunity to share and learn about the challenges experienced across the region and finding ways we can collaboratively work towards a more resilient future.”

Minister Dick said the conference in June 2020 would attract international attention for our Sunshine state.

“In addition to their impact on residents, infrastructure and the environment, disasters can have a devastating effect on the local economy and tourism industry which is a challenge we share with our Asia-Pacific neighbours, and just one of the areas we can learn from one another at the conference,” he said.

“The Queensland Government looks forward to reinforcing our commitment to reaching the global plan to reduce disaster losses as outlined in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.”

Chief of United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction Loretta Hieber Girardet said the conference is an important step towards a more resilient future.

“Rising economic losses from disasters are becoming a threat to development. The 2020 ministerial conference is critical in helping the region mitigate the impact of disasters, and Queensland’s experience in particular will be invaluable.”

The Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in June 2020.

It is being co-hosted by the Australian Government and the UNDRR, with support from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Home Affairs, Geoscience Australia, and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.

ENDS

Media contact: Lesley Major 0419 288 284