Geneva, 25 October 2006 Global Forum of NGOs for Disaster Reduction Lessons Learned Zenaida Delica-Willison

The UN declared as the International Decade for Disaster Reduction The NGOs then: NGOs are actively involved in development work, they provide emergency response when their areas were affected There were NGO specifically dedicated to Disaster Management and networking But, generally NGOs work in isolation & seldom coordinate outside their own networks.

1994 Mid term Review in Yokohama, Japan: Not as many NGOs participated in the meeting Not as many were involved in the preparation Predominantly, governmental activity (mostly scientific community)

1994 Mid term Review in Yokohama, Japan: Few NGOs met and discussed their roles and what they can do The seed of GFNDR was tackled Joint Assistance Center volunteered to be the Secretariat for follow up action ZDW of CDRC was chosen as the reluctant President

Post Yokohama to 1999, the end of the IDNDR GFNDR organized several fora – India, Nepal, USA, Philippines Minimal impact and limited activities The Secretariat & the President had separate base No expansion of membership

Post Yokohama to 1999, the end of the IDNDR Members concentrated on their respective NGOs: Local organizing Networking and coordination Capacity development Projects development & implementation of disaster risk reduction measures

At the IDNDR closure meeting Participated actively No follow up activity GFNDR served its purpose during the Decade – advocacy for disaster reduction and community involvement in disaster risk management It also closed at the end of the Decade

Examples of Good Practice Raising awareness, conscientization, lobbying & advocacy - very important roles NGO played: Disaster risk reduction Community participation & involvement Linkages and sharing tools Documentation of practices

Lessons Learned Lack of readiness to take a new role from national to international dimension, especially influencing policy at the international level Lack of agreed vision, strong commitment beyond national involvement and clear objectives amongst members Lack of basic funding – an essential lubricant to keep it going, especially at the formative years Lack of facilitation of the IDNDR Sect. Disparity of membership

Lessons Learned from other networks Lack of critical debates on achievements, strengths & weaknesses Domination by particular organizations and interest groups Competition among members (within) and with other NGOs outside of the network No one voice, promoting own NGO & not the network

Now – International Strategy for Disaster Reduction: Kobe, Japan Many NGOs participated in the meeting Many were involved A multistakeholder activity NGOs issued a statement expressing concerns on the UN Declaration, primarily for lack of clear targets

Ways forward We have so much to learn from one another.. Not just NORTH TO SOUTH, but also, SOUTH TO SOUTH and, as is sometimes overlooked, SOUTH TO NORTH Let us take this opportunity! Let us get organized!