Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction

The Third Session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and the Global Reconstruction Conference were jointly held from 8 to 13 May 2011 at the International Conference Center in Geneva, Switzerland. More than 2,600 participants attended the international conference, including representatives from over 168 governments, 65 non-governmental organizations and 25 intergovernmental organizations.

100 volunteers of ICVolunteers put in thousands of hours, and their contribution was critical for the success of the event. "Without the help of the volunteers, we simply could not have managed," said Dave Zervaas, Logistics Coordinator of the Conference.

Given recent disasters, particularly the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on 11 March 2011, the need for urgent action around disaster risk reduction (DRR) and building resilience is stronger than ever. As the primary multistakeholder forum for all parties involved in DRR, the Global Platform is an important opportunity for leaders, decision-makers, practitioners and experts to share their experiences, commit to action and further guide the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) system.

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction was established by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) in 2007 and is now the worlds foremost gathering of stakeholders committed to reducing disaster risk and building the resilience of communities and nations. The Global Reconstruction Conference was coordinated by the World Bank.

Volunteers were involved in a wide range of activities on the forefront and behind the scenes:

• Reporting on conference sessions;
• Serving as a photographer for conference sessions and events;
• Conducting written and/or video interviews with delegates;
• Editing articles and session reports;
• Translating articles and session reports.
• Assisting with Press Conferences;
• Serving as a liaison between UNISDR staff and the media;
• Welcoming and provided assistance to delegates;
• Registering delegates;
• Overseeing the setup of sessions and assisted with logistical requests;
• Assisting with high level sessions, including the Opening Ceremony and plenary sessions;
• Collecting official statements from plenary sessions and liaised with translators
• Serving as a session assistant / room monitor;
• Assisting presenters, including high-level panelists and other speakers, with the setup of their presentations and the distribution of documentation;
• Preparing bags for the delegates before the Conference.

Further information about the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction: http://www.preventionweb.net/globalplatform