DEPUTY MINISTER APPEALS TO SUPPORT INITIATIVE TO SET UP NORTHEAST ASIA PLATFORM IN MONGOLIA

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Ministers' Session of the Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) is running at Shangri-La hotel. The session is being chaired by Deputy Prime Minister U.Enkhtuvshin and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction Mami Mizutori. At the beginning of his opening remarks, Deputy PM U.Enkhtuvshin pointed out that according to the regional report, countries are taking many actions for the implementation of the Sendai Framework including defining the way for the framework, making risk sensitive urban development planning as well as increasing public awareness. However, at local level, the countries are facing challenges such as governance and financial insufficiency for reduction of disaster risk as well as limited information and data processing method. “Results of disaster risk reduction and preventative activities depend directly on regional cooperation and countries' support. Asia and Pacific Region, particularly Northeast Asian region is one of the most disaster-prone region in the world. Mongolia made an initiative to set up a Northeast Asia Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction in Mongolia and discussed the matter on the 4th and 5th international conference ‘Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security” said Deputy PM U.Enkhtuvshin and called on attendees of the Ministers’ Session to support the initiative. The Government of Mongolia approved a national strategy for implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in 2017. The strategy is being realized with cooperation and partnership of state administration, local and international organizations, scientific and civil society organizations as well as citizens. Mongolia fully backs the campaign ‘Making Cities Resilient’ initiated by UNISDR and all the aimag centers and cities of Mongolia joined the campaign. Following the recommendations made at the previous Conferences and shared experiences with the countries, Mongolia is focusing on reducing potential risks of earthquake and ensuring preparedness, the Deputy PM said. B.Batchimeg