Yet disaster is not the necessary consequence of extreme phenomena. Today there is greater scientific understanding and technological know-how to anticipate the effects of a disaster before it strikes. Natural hazards are among the most manageable of global environmental challenges: the risks are most readily identified; effective mitigation measures are available; and the benefits of vulnerability reduction greatly outweigh the cost. The international community is quick to respond to the needs of victims of natural disasters. What is also required is to promote a culture of disaster reduction, placing the emphasis on pre-disaster action rather than contenting ourselves with post-disaster reaction.
Disaster-risk reduction is a crucial part of UNESCO’s mission. The Organization strives for better understanding and improved mitigation of the effects of natural hazards. While actively concerned with the immediate post-disaster needs of recently affected populations in Haiti and Pakistan, UNESCO is engaged in efforts to enhance the scientific and technical capacities of competent institutions in these countries to cope with the risk of similar occurrences in the future. The partners of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction have launched a new campaign entitled Making Cities Resilient. It addresses issues of local governance and urban risk while drawing upon previous campaigns on safer schools and hospitals, as well as on the principles of sustainable urbanization. We must help local governments to develop and implement safety measures before disaster strikes. UNESCO will participate in this campaign through its various multidisciplinary programmes, and it is my hope that city authorities everywhere will rally to the urgent cause of making their cities resilient.
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