Experts from the Americas commit to ensure compliance with the Sendai Framework in Colombia

Participants of the Regional Conference
Photo credit: Press Office. COLOMBIAN CIVIL DEFENCE

Por: Luis Carlos Martínez

Edited by: UNDRR – The Americas

BOGOTA, Colombia, 30 July 2015 – Experts from the region of the Americas pledged to help meet the expected outcome, scope, purpose, priorities for action, goals and guiding principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, adopted last March by the Member States of the United Nations in Sendai, Japan.

In order to support this important global tool, participants of the II Regional Conference for the Exchange of Information in Civil and Military Operations for Disaster Risk Management, held recently in Bogota, Colombia; developed a Statement of Agreement that includes the commitment and willingness of each individual to raise awareness of the content of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction before the decision makers of the institutions present.

The meeting took place on the premises of the Military Club in Bogota and was chaired by the Colombian Civil Defence, headed by its Director General, Major General Miguel Ernesto Perez Guarnizo who said: “This means that we must be at the forefront of compliance with the objectives and goals of Sendai for the protection and better habitability of the planet.”

The Agreement seeks to promote work in consortium to contribute to the reduction of losses and damages regarding human lives, physical and mental health, livelihoods, the natural environment, buildings and constructions, as well as economic, social and institutional systems.

The Regional Conference was attended by experts from the U.S. Southern Command, the Pacific Disaster Center and delegates from Central America and the Caribbean including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic.

Also participating were representatives of REDULAC/DRR, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD), National Firefighter System, Colombian Red Cross, Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (IDEAM), Agustín CodazziI Geographic Institute (IGAC), School of Military Engineers, Army, National Police and National Parks, among other members of the National System for Disaster Risk Management in Colombia.

Signing of the Agreement of Intent. Colonel Jody Dew, South Carolina National Guard; Major General Miguel Ernesto Perez Guarnizo, Colombian Civil Defence Director; Rapporteur Carlos Matiz, Training School Director Carlos Lleras Restrepo of the Colombian Civil Defence.
Photo credit:. Press office. Colombian Civil Defense.