Water Youth Network participating in the first workshop of the Risk Knowledge-Action Network (KAN) and the Global Forum on Science and Technology for Disaster Resilience 2017

Blog post prepared by Miguel Trejo, DRR Team Water Youth Network (m.trejo@wateryouthnetwork.org) 

Introduction

From November 21st to 25th, the city of Tokyo was the venue for the Global Forum on Science and Technology for Disaster Resilience and the first workshop of Risk-KAN. Miguel Trejo, member of the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) team from Mexico, attended both events representing the WYN and the commitment of the organisation in DRR related actions.

Miguel assisted as part of the group  of Early Career Professionals (ECP) and on behalf of the Water Youth Network. This was possible thanks to the support from the Science Council of Japan and Future Earth, which sponsored him to attend the events.

First workshop of Risk-KAN

This workshop gathered senior professionals as well as some Early Career participants with expertise in the field of Risk Management. They were invited to contribute and build the future general guidelines for the Risk Knowledge-Action Network. The workshop was coordinated Future Earth and took place at the United Nations University on November 23^rd.

During the workshop the following aspects related to DRR were discussed:

• Mechanisms for collaboration and engagement
• Research priorities
• Governance

One of the main concerns that came out was risk communication since it still represents a big challenge due to missing links between different stakeholders who may be involved in risk management and their lack of interest. On the other hand, it also represents a big opportunity to explore and develop.

Global Forum on Science and Technology for Disaster Resilience 2017

The forum was held at the Science Council of Japan from 23^rd to 25^th of November and different stakeholders were gathered to discuss several topics related to Disaster Risk Management worldwide.

Plenary session at the Science Council of Japan

The main objective was to address the four priorities for action stated in the Sendai Framework:

• Contribution to knowledge on disaster risk
• Strengthening disaster risk governance to reduce disaster risk
• Encourage investment in disaster risk reduction for resilience
• Promote “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction

Furthermore, it was highlighted that for a successful disaster risk reduction it is also needed:

• To promote and implement interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary collaboration
• To produce periodic synthesis reports on the state of science and technology for risk-sensitive development and investment
• To contribute to national platforms for a more effective use of science and technology

For each of the points mentioned above, a working group was organised. The working groups were formed by participants according to their expertise and/or interest.

Young professionals were actively participating on behalf of the youth, and their contributions were taken into account into the Draft – Tokyo Statement 2017 – Science and Technology Action for a Disaster-Resilient World.

Group picture by the end of the sessions