The Sendai report: managing disaster risks for a resilient future

This report argues that the practice of disaster risk management (DRM) is a defining characteristic of resilient societies, and should therefore be integrated – or ‘mainstreamed’ – into all aspects of development. It (i) analyses the alarming trend of disasters and development; (ii) presents disaster risk management in action through four pillars (risk identification, risk reduction, preparedness, financial protection and resilient reconstruction); (iii) features the need for national policies and planning; (iv) reviews international development cooperation, including financing and policies, and highlighting the rare convergence of renewal calendars for international policy frameworks such as the Hyogo Framework for Action; (v) presents the World Bank commitment to disaster risk management; and (vi) introduces the way forward, including priorities and opportunities for the World Bank.

The report was prepared through a series of 32 knowledge notes produced by the World Bank in cooperation with the Government of Japan. It is intended to inform the Development Committee at the Annual Meetings 2012, and to support discussion at the Sendai Dialogue, which engages delegates on the importance of mainstreaming DRM, drawing upon the lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami of 2011, and other disasters.