Session Objectives
– Provide an opportunity for countries to learn from the experiences of Mongolia and Islamic Republic of Iran in managing slow-onset disaster, including drought, desertification, sand and dust storms
– Present the concept for the proposed partnership network that will strengthen resilience to slow-onset disasters.
– In line with Sendai target F, highlight the case for enhancing regional cooperation as a complement to national and local actions around slow-onset disasters
Context and Rationale
The sustainable development efforts of many countries in Asia-Pacific are being undermined by slow-onset disasters via threats to human health, damage to livelihoods and ongoing erosion of development assets. Many of such disasters result from a combination of various hazards and they are transboundary in terms of their origins and impacts. One clear example is the growing phenomenon of sand and dust storms which results from a continuous chain of drought, land degradation, desertification and wind erosion. As a multifaceted phenomenon, it requires a comprehensive multiple-hazard response that covers drought, desertification and land degradation and that is supported by enhanced policy coordination among stakeholders at the global and regional levels.
This side event will feature the experiences and best practices of Mongolia and the Islamic Republic of Iran in dealing with these challenges, while identifying the potential for south-south cooperation to build resilience to slow-onset disasters. Second, it will discuss how affected countries can provide timely regional policy leadership that reduces the transboundary impacts of such slow-onset disasters.
Expected outcomes
– Enhanced peer learning amongst countries in the Asia-Pacific on slow-onset disasters.
– Opportunities for regional cooperation on slow-onset disasters, including South-South cooperation identified in line with Sendai target F.
Key messages
– Transboundary slow-onset disasters warrant a regional response.
– Sendai Framework Target F provides an opportunity to deepen regional cooperation on transboundary slow-onset disasters to bring about synergy and coherence among the various initiatives.
– Mongolia and the Islamic Republic of Iran are capable providers of south-south cooperation on slow-onset disasters.
