The post 2015 Hyogo Framework for Action: Managing risks to achieve resilience

The Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) "Building the resilience of nations and communities to disasters" is a 10-year plan adopted in 2005 by 168 UN Member States which voluntarily committed to work on five priorities for action (1): ensure that disaster risk reduction is a national and local priority with a strong institutional basis for implementation, (2) identify, assess, and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning, (3) use knowledge, innovation and education to build a culture of safety and resilience at all levels, (4) reduce the underlying risk factors, (5) strengthen disaster preparedness for effective response at all levels) with the objective of making the world safer from natural hazards and building disaster resilience. The HFA will expire in 2015 and therefore a wide consultation process has been launched with a view to identify elements for the post-2015 framework for disaster risk reduction that will be endorsed at the 3^rd World conference for disaster risk reduction in Sendai (Japan) on 14-18 March 2015.

The process leading to the 3rd World Conference is facilitated by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). In its framework, two Preparatory Committee meetings will take place in Geneva, on 14-15 July 2014 and 17-18 November 2014. The EU contributes to this process, notably with the Commission Communication, positions of other EU institutions, Member States (the Council Conclusions to be adopted in June 2014) and relevant stakeholders.

The purpose of the Commission Communication is to set out the Commission's initial views on the shaping of the post-2015 Hyogo Framework for Action building on the achievements of a range of EU policies including civil protection, environmental protection, internal security, climate change adaptation, health, research and innovation, as well as the resilience agenda promoted through the EU external action. It analyses progress made and addresses implementation gaps and emerging challenges of increasing risks in the future. The Communication highlights that over the last decade, the natural disasters caused 80 000 deaths in the EU and EUR 95 billion in economic losses.

The EESC has been requested by the Commission to prepare an Opinion which will contribute to shaping the EU position on the post 2015 HFA to be presented during the UN-led negotiations in July and November this year. The Committee's Opinion will be important given that the Commission Communication proposes involvement of civil society and private sector in decision making and implementation of actions related to disaster risk management within the post 2015 HFA.