WRRC Webinar: Paving the Way: Optimizing Governance Mechanisms for Resilient Recovery

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This webinar, held in the lead-up to the World Resilient Recovery Conference (WRRC), will examine the instrumental role in strengthening governance systems for effective and inclusive disaster recovery. When governance structures are prepared in advance—with clear mandates, strong institutional frameworks, and well-coordinated leadership—they enable faster, more effective recovery while reducing long-term vulnerabilities. The session will highlight key governance challenges and opportunities, focusing on how readiness can drive better coordination, resource allocation, and decision-making in post-disaster contexts.

The discussion will draw on lessons from past disaster recoveries, showcasing how different governance models have shaped recovery outcomes. Key themes include cross-sectoral coordination, institutional capacity, financing mechanisms, and strategies for ensuring inclusive decision-making. Insights from global case studies will inform practical approaches to strengthening governance for resilient recovery, aligning with Sendai Framework Priority 4 and the Global Call to Action for Investing in Readiness for Resilient Recovery.

This webinar is jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Session objectives

This session will explore the role of governance systems in recovery, highlighting how pre-established institutional frameworks, policy arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement contribute to effectively manage recovery efforts, including from complex crisis. By examining different governance models, the discussion will emphasize how clear mandates, inclusive decision making, and well-coordinated response structures can enhance recovery readiness and long-term 

The outcomes of this session will directly contribute to the implementation of the Global Call to Action for Investing in Readiness for Resilient Recovery and inform the broader agenda of the World Resilient Recovery Conference (WRRC). By focusing on governance, this discussion will inspire global efforts to prioritize readiness and resilience in recovery strategies.

This session further aims to:

1. Examine Governance Approaches: Analyze different governance models for disaster recovery, focusing on institutional arrangements, policies and coordination mechanisms that contribute to effective recovery processes and highlight the importance of defining these beforehand. 
2. Examine the key components of a ‘ready’ governance mechanisms that is capable of driving resilient recovery
3. Identify Success Factors for effective governance to drive : Highlight successful governance models from global recovery efforts, with lessons on what worked and what did not. Highlight essential components of effective governance, such as clear mandates, cross-sectoral coordination, clear financing mechanisms, and community engagement, that enable resilient and inclusive recovery.
4. Identify actionable strategies for strengthening inclusivity, transparency, and efficiency in recovery governance.
5. Generate Actionable Recommendations and Establish Governance Benchmarks:  Develop practical guidance and benchmarks for policymakers, practitioners, and development partners to strengthen governance systems, ensuring that pre-disaster institutional arrangements are in place to facilitate rapid and effective recovery efforts. 

Speakers

Segment moderators:

• Richard FitzHugh, Head of Business Resilience, Holcim Group Services Ltd
• Laurent Giezendanner, Head Corporate Security and Legal Operations, Syngenta Group
• Kilian Murphy, Program Lead - Thematic Innovations, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC)

Panelists:

• Veronica Gabaldon, Executive Director, Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF)
• Carlos Jimenez, Director, Asociación Mexicana de Instituciones de Seguros (AMIS)
• Hisan Hassan, Chief Executive, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Maldives