Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030)

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030)

The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a non-binding international agreement adopted by UN Member States. It succeeded the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015) and marked a paradigm shift from “managing disasters” (reactive) to “managing disaster risk” (proactive).

Its primary goal is to prevent new and reduce existing disaster risks through the implementation of integrated and inclusive measures that prevent and reduce hazard exposure and vulnerability to disaster.

 

The Core Structure: Priorities and Targets

The framework is built on a “4+7” architecture: Four Priorities for Action and Seven Global Targets designed to measure progress.

 

The Four Priorities for Action

Action at local, national, regional, and global levels is focused on these four pillars:

  1. Understanding Disaster Risk: Policies must be based on an understanding of risk in all its dimensions—vulnerability, capacity, exposure of persons and assets, and hazard characteristics. This includes leveraging data and technology for better risk assessment.

  2. Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: Clear vision, plans, competence, guidance, and coordination within and across sectors, as well as participation of relevant stakeholders, are needed to manage disaster risk effectively.

  3. Investing in Disaster Risk Reduction for Resilience: Public and private investment in structural and non-structural measures is essential to enhance the economic, social, health, and cultural resilience of persons, communities, countries, and their assets.

  4. Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: This priority emphasizes the need to be ready for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction phases.

     

The Seven Global Targets (to be achieved by 2030)

These targets provide metrics to assess global progress:

  • Substantially reduce global disaster mortality.

  • Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally.

  • Reduce direct disaster economic loss in relation to global GDP.

  • Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services (health, education).

  • Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies.

  • Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries.

  • Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems.

     

Strategic Alignment: SDGs and The Paris Agreement

The Sendai Framework does not exist in a vacuum. It acts as a critical connecting thread between the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

  • SDG Connection: You cannot eradicate poverty (SDG 1) or build sustainable cities (SDG 11) if disasters constantly wipe out development gains.

  • Climate Connection: As climate change intensifies extreme weather events, the Sendai Framework provides the practical “how-to” for the adaptation and resilience commitments made in the Paris Agreement.

The Role of Stakeholders and UNDRR

While the State has the primary role in reducing disaster risk, the framework explicitly states that responsibility should be shared with other stakeholders including:

  • Local Government: Often the first line of defense.

  • Private Sector: Responsible for risk-informed investments and supply chain resilience.

  • Scientific Community: Vital for data-driven decision-making.

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) serves as the custodian of the framework, tasked with supporting its implementation, monitoring, and review.

 

The 2025 Outlook: Progress and Challenges

As of 2025, the global community faces a mixed landscape. While many nations have successfully implemented national DRR strategies (Target E), challenges remain:

  • Climate Acceleration: The frequency of climate-induced hazards is outpacing current resilience infrastructure.

  • Financing Gaps: Investment in prevention still lags significantly behind spending on disaster response.

  • Inequality: Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) continue to bear a disproportionate burden of disaster impacts.

The Sendai Framework remains the most comprehensive guide for protecting development gains from the risk of disaster. For organizations and governments alike, aligning with Sendai is not just about compliance—it is a strategic imperative for sustainability and survival in an increasingly volatile world.

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