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The Hyogo Framework for Action (2005-2015)

The Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters was endorsed at the World Conference on Disaster Reduction, which took place in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan, from January 18 to 22, 2005. The Conference offered a rare chance to advance a planned and methodical strategy for lowering vulnerabilities and risks to hazards. It emphasised the necessity of and provided strategies for increasing the resilience of countries and communities to natural disasters.

  • A key instrument for implementing disaster risk reduction is the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), adopted by the Member States of the United Nations.
  • The project’s ultimate goal is to improve national and community disaster resilience by lowering disaster losses by 2015, both in terms of human lives and in terms of social, economic, and environmental assets.
  • In the context of sustainable development, the HFA proposes five priority areas, guiding principles, and practical methods for achieving disaster resilience for vulnerable communities.
  • State, organization, and other actors at all levels are guided to design their disaster risk reduction plans by the Hyogo Framework for Action. These priorities are:
    • A national and local focus on disaster risk reduction should be established, as well as strong institutional support for its implementation.
    • Disaster risks need to be identified, assessed, and monitored, and early warning needs to be enhanced.
    • Boost safety and resilience by combining  knowledge, innovation, and education.
    • Mitigation of the risks of disasters.
    • Prepare for disasters at all levels to ensure an effective response.

At the conclusion of the HFA implementation, Member States acknowledged that their efforts had not resulted in less economic and material losses. They came to the conclusion that national and international emphasis must change from safeguarding social and economic development from outside shocks to reforming growth and development to effectively manage risks.