Efficiency of emergency response and the transition to recovery and long-term development: lessons learned

This concept paper addresses the partnerships of United Nations agencies, funds, and programmes and the links between emergency response, recovery and development. It highlights the importance of disaster risk reduction as a major adaptation strategy that combines prevention, mitigation, and resilience-building measures, as well as the critical importance of early-warning mechanisms and preparedness measures to efficient and effective responses that respect development objectives.

This background paper, jointly prepared by the participating agencies, focuses on the transition phase and the importance of integrating recovery and development into the design of the immediate response. The paper is intended to inform the Executive Boards with a view to initiating discussion of issues related to the topic. It has been developed in preparation for the Joint Meeting of the Executive Boards of UNDP/UNFPA, UNICEF, UN-Women, and WFP, 4 and 7 February 2011 in New York.