Who we are

UNDRR was created in December 1999 as part of the UN Secretariat with the purpose of ensuring the implementation of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.

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Our Mandate

UNDRR's mandate is to serve as the focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of disaster reduction and to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities. This page includes our Organigramme.

What is Disaster Risk Reduction?

DRR aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones, through an ethic of prevention. There is no such thing as a 'natural' disaster, only natural hazards.

What is the International Strategy?

The International Strategy for Disaster Reduction reflects a major shift from the traditional emphasis on disaster response to disaster reduction, and in effect seeks to promote a "culture of prevention".

UNDRR in the UN System

UNDRR is part of the United Nations Secretariat and works with the wider UN system at headquarters and field levels.

SRSG for Disaster Risk Reduction

Robert Glasser is the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction. Her role is to step up action and international cooperation on disaster risk reduction.

Work Programme and Annual Reports

UNDRR is committed to reducing disaster risk. Read their biennial work programme and annual reports.

Results-Based Management System

UNDRR adopts a results-based management system to support the implementation of its mandate.

Donor Partnerships

Among all UN Member States and observers, political and financial support for disaster risk reduction initiatives is raised through the Support Group for the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction.

History

Over the decades, disaster risk reduction has moved from a narrowly perceived technical discipline, to a broad-based global movement focused on sustainable development.