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IDDR Preparatory Meeting Sets Stage for Productive International Day for Disaster Reduction

Kathmandu, Nepal - DPNet-Nepal, in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), successfully organized the preparatory meeting for the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) on September 9th, 2019, at the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC) under MoHA. The meeting witnessed the participation of 27 representatives from government agencies, I/NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders. Mr. Shambhu Prasad Regmi, Chief of the National Emergency Operation Center, presided over the meeting, which aimed to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive IDDR commemoration.

The session commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Bamshi Kumar Acharya, Under Secretary of MoHA. Following that, Mr. Raju Thapa, General Secretary of DPNet-Nepal, delivered a presentation introducing IDDR and shared a proposed program for IDDR 2019. The presentation was followed by a fruitful discussion among the participants.

During the meeting, several key decisions were reached, including the scheduling of a week-long program from October 13th to 19th, with a range of activities proposed. The planned activities include an Awareness Rally and Opening Ceremony with high-level dignitaries, the launch of the National Disaster Report, a National Symposium for discussions on the IDDR theme, interactions with the media, policy dialogues, and a marketplace event. Additionally, SMS and social media campaigns, provincial and local-level programs, articles on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRR&M), street dramas organized by Red Cross and other civil society organizations, Disability Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DIDRR) programs, and school-based DRR programs will be featured during the commemorative week.

To ensure effective planning and coordination, a technical committee comprising representatives from various agencies was formed. The committee includes members from MoHA, DPNet-Nepal, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Nepal Red Cross Society, Association of INGOs Task Group on DM and CC, Federation of Nepalese Journalist, Nepal Telecommunication Authority, NGS, Nepal Engineers Association, Institute of Engineering, and Disaster Management Network, Nepal. The technical committee is scheduled to convene on September 12th at 15:00 at the NEOC office to evaluate the detailed activities and explore potential funding sources.

The meeting concluded with closing remarks from Mr. Shambhu Prasad Regmi, Chief of the National Emergency Operation Center, expressing gratitude for his active participation and setting a positive tone for the upcoming IDDR commemoration. The collective efforts of the stakeholders involved are expected to contribute significantly to raising awareness and promoting effective disaster reduction measures across Nepal.