Best Tools and Practices in Accelerating Disaster Risk Reduction Urgency through Local Physical and Development Planning in Changing Climate

The increasing frequency and severity of disasters, exacerbated by climate change, underscore the urgent need for integrated disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) strategies at all levels of governance. While the Sendai Framework provides a global roadmap for disaster resilience, many communities, particularly in vulnerable regions, still face challenges in translating its principles into actionable, context-specific policies and plans. 

This event serves as a dynamic platform for uniting diverse stakeholders and fostering an inclusive exchange of knowledge, best practices, and innovations. It will highlight proven tools, approaches, and methodologies successfully implemented in various geographic contexts by the Host and Co-host of this event while upholding the principles of diversity and social inclusion. Signifying the participatory governance, the event integrates multi-stakeholder planning frameworks and consultative processes, such as participatory planning, focus group discussions, and collaborative dialogues towards disaster risk governance. These approaches provide embedded DRR and CCA more effectively within local physical and sectoral development plans, ensuring resilience and sustainability at all levels.

As a key feature of the Global Platform 2025, this side event acknowledges the diverse demographics and expertise of its participants, bringing together governments, the United Nations system, and a wide range of international stakeholders. Thus, to enhance accessibility and engagement, all presentations will be delivered in clear, inclusive language, supported by visually compelling materials for effective communication.

Additionally, interactive activities including workshops and group discussions will encourage meaningful participation and foster dialogue that respects diverse cultural perspectives and viewpoints. By creating a collaborative space for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building, this event aims to empower policymakers and practitioners to drive forward more inclusive and impactful disaster risk management and climate adaptation strategies at the local, national, and global levels.

Session objectives

The side event aims to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework by sharing innovative tools, best practices, and real-world experiences in integrating disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) into local planning across diverse geographic contexts. Its key objectives are:

• Introducing strategic guidelines for developing multi-sectoral, inclusive, and risk-informed urban and rural development plans.
• Enhancing collaboration and knowledge exchange through interactive dialogue to formulate ecosystem-based action plans that drive the Sendai Framework’s implementation by 2030.
• Strengthening institutional capacities for resilience-building by promoting a deeper understanding of DRR and climate adaptation strategies, with a focus on gender-sensitive, holistic, and context-specific solutions that ensure sustainable and adaptive development in the face of evolving disaster risks.

Expected outcome will be equipping stakeholders with actionable knowledge to implement effective climate-resilient strategies, and fostering inclusive, gender-responsive planning solutions that address evolving climate challenges.